Italian American pride on display at the Columbus Day Parade – What the future holds for this iconic event

This past Monday, Fifth Avenue in New York City held the every year Columbus Day Parade – the biggest celebration in the world of Italian-American culture and heritage. Columbus Citizen Foundation Columbus Citizen Foundation is a non-profit organization that organizes each time the event. This year , more than fifty groups take part, which included many performers and marches bands. The public was able to buy Italian flags in various spots in the streets from the beginning through third street. Jenna Espisito was a well-known performer who was known as a dedicated follower of her favorite songbook, the “Great Italian American Songbook.” She rode an ox cart while performing.

Parade floats had musicians blasting songs which were heard from miles away. On another float, a woman was giving away free Italian flags, candy and flags. The crowds were waiting in line for minutes in a row to walk across the street. Chris Vaccaro, a board trustee of the Italian American Baseball Foundation, was part of the parade along with his wife and children inside a wagon that was covered with Italian flags and the American flag and streamers made of red, white and green representing the colors of Italian flag.

“According to Vaccaro memories are the thing the holiday really is about. making memories, telling stories as well as having great conversations with your family and friends. This is all about celebrating the contributions and strength of Indigenous peoples and remembering the promises they made that were never fulfilled.

Southeast Italy and a first-generation American. The couple sat alongside a car adorned in the Italian flag colors on the intersection of the street and Fifth Avenue. This was her third year taking part on the Columbus Day Parade. She said that her father has been through hardships to get here. It was crucial for people to be remembered and remembered.

In recent years, Columbus Day has drawn controversy from those who believe the holiday celebrates exploration that caused the injustice of indigenous people. State lawmakers have introduced an act that changes the day of public celebration of Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day. The bill summary states “Indigenous People’s Day redefines Columbus Day and changes a celebration of colonialism , into the opportunity to uncover historical truths.

Vaccaro stated that it was vital to Indigenous American citizens in the Americas to recognize and remember the resistance to injustices currently occurring. I consider it essential to respect the beliefs of everyone as well as any Indigenous People’s Day caller. Even if a holiday is not widely accepted by all It is crucial to recognize the different opinions.” Prudente stated that this holiday doesn’t necessarily have to be called “Columbus Day” or even “Italian-American Heritage Day” instead. Scelsa said he thinks Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day are appropriate to celebrate on different days.

The moral

There is some controversy over the celebration of Columbus Day, it is essential to be aware that this holiday is all about the celebration of discovery and exploration. This change in Indigenous People’s Day is a way to acknowledge the historical mistreatment of Indigenous Peoples and recognize their contribution to our society.