NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — The 81st Annual Columbus Day Parade returns to Fifth Avenue in New York City on Monday.

Thousands of people will pack the avenue from 44th to 72nd streets as over 35,000 marchers, floats, bands, and performers participate in the celebration.

The city’s celebration of its Italian cultural roots is a tradition that connects those with a little or a lot of Italian heritage to their ancestors, who made this their home.

ABC 7 New York will broadcast and stream the parade on Monday, starting at noon. Join Sandra Bookman, Mike Marza and Comedian Joe Piscopo as they host our coverage along with Eyewitness News reporters Joelle Garguilo and Anthony Carlo.

The Columbus Citizens Foundation organizes the annual parade, which is the largest celebration of Italian American heritage in the country.

Mike Marza has more on Dr. Fabrizio Michelassi’s story.

The parade has been held since 1929, honoring the contributions of Italian Americans to the city and the country.

Columbus Citizens Foundation has announced that business executive and former Head Football Coach Joe Moglia will serve as Grand Marshal this year.

Sandra Bookman has more on Joe Mogila’s story.

Mr. Moglia is the former CEO and Chairman of TD Ameritrade, former Head Football Coach and current Executive Advisor to the President and Chairman Emeritus of Athletics at Coastal Carolina. He is also Chairman of Capital Wealth Advisors, Co-Founder and Chairman of Fundamental Global LLC and Co-Founder and Executive Advisor for FG Nexus.

In 2023, Fordham renamed their football and soccer field to Moglia Stadium. Joe is only the fourth alumnus in the 190-year history of Fordham University to have received their three most prestigious honors: The Founders Award, the Hall of Honor and induction into their Athletic Hall of Fame.

In addition to the parade, CFF will hold a gala to raise scholarship funds and a wreath-laying ceremony over the weekend, paying tribute to the civil servants and first responders who contribute to our community and help keep the city safe.

The Foundation has disbursed over $40 million in scholarships to students and grants to charitable causes over the years.

For more information, please visit the Columbus Citizens Foundation.

* Get Eyewitness News Delivered

* Follow us on YouTube

* More local news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.

Copyright © 2025 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.