NYC Columbus Day Parade 2024: Street closures, route, schedule and more

Columbus Day Parade marks 80 years in NYC

About one million people made their way to Fifth Avenue to celebrate Columbus Day and the Italian-American heritage. The parade is now in its 80th year. FOX 5 NY’s Michelle Ross has more on the sights and sounds of the celebration.

NEW YORK CITY - Hundreds of thousands of people gathered on 5th Avenue in NYC today for the 80th annual Columbus Day Parade.

JUMP TO: STREET CLOSURES l ROUTE

A sea of green, white and red, accompanied by accordions, marching bands, floats and, of course, food, infiltrated 5th Avenue during the world's largest celebration of Italian American Culture.

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Here's what's open, closed on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day 2024

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Here's what's open, closed on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day 2024

Here's a look at what's open and closed in NYC on Columbus Day, a federal holiday that’s also recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day and Italian Heritage Day.

What time is the Columbus Day Parade?

The parade started at 11:30 a.m. and ended at 3:30 p.m.

The 80th annual installment of the parade was expected to feature around 35,000 participants and one million spectators, who marched up Fifth Avenue from 47th Street to 72nd Street.

The parade is preceded by a mass at Saint Patrick's Cathedral.

Where is the Columbus Day Parade in NYC?

The following streets will be closed for the parade:

Formation

43rd Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
44th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
45th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
46th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue
47th Street between Madison Avenue and 6th Avenue

Route

5th Avenue between 72nd Street and 42nd Street

Dispersal

5th Avenue between 72nd Street and 79th Street
72nd Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
73rd Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
74th Street between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue
75th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
76th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
77th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue
78th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue

Miscellaneous

51st Street between 5th Avenue and Rockefeller Plaza
58th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
60th Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
62nd Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
63rd Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
64th Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
68th Street between Park Avenue and 5th Avenue
69th Street between Park Avenue and 5th Avenue
70th Street between Park Avenue and 5th Avenue
Madison Avenue between 76th Street and 68th Street

The celebration has roots dating all the way back to 1929. An annual wreath laying is held at the statue of Christopher Columbus to commemorate his historic voyage and to honor the immigrants who came after him.

Celebrating the 80th annual Columbus Day Parade

This year’s Grand Marshall is distinguished business executive Michael T. Strianese. He joined Good Day New York, along with parade organizer, Lisa Ackerman -- executive director of the ‘Columbus Citizens Foundation.’

However, New York City no longer recognizes today as Columbus Day. It's now referred to as Italian heritage and Indigenous Peoples Day to acknowledge Native Americans.

On Sunday in Crown Heights, people took part in cultural activities ahead of Indigenous Peoples Day at the Brooklyn Children's Museum. Festivities included storytelling, live performances and interactive food demonstrations.