Fifth Ave. is Columbus Ave., at least for a day
Thousands of people cheered on Italian-American dignitaries and festive marching bands at the 74th annual Columbus Day Parade along Fifth Ave. on Monday.
The event is dubbed as “the world’s largest celebration of Italian-American heritage and culture in the United States” by parade organizers. It kicked off at 44th St. in Midtown at 11:30 a.m.
Gov. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio marched along the route that ended on 72nd St.
Parade Grand Marshal Guy Chiarello, president of First Data Corp., led the festivities. The Italian-American banking executive was recognized for his philanthropy and community service.
City Public Advocate Letitia James, who is running for state attorney general, and Republican gubernatorial candidate Marc Molinaro also marched.
Parade honorees included former New York First Lady Matilda Cuomo.