An nor’easter may have kept some spectators at home, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of attendees nor participants in the 48^th Annual Bronx Columbus Day Parade which took place in Morris Park on Sunday, Oct. 12.

 

This year’s participants included, among others, Jacobi Hospital, the Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association, the Forum of Italian American Educators, International Laborers Local 79, and the Allerton Avenue Homeowners and Tenants Association.

 

The Grand Marshal this year was Tara Cannistraci, and the Honorary Grand Marshal was Laura Guerriero.

 

Among others marching on the day was Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, who was joined by members of his anti-crime group, the Guardian Angels.

One day before the parade, on Oct. 11, the New York State Italian American Political Action Committee (NYS IAMPAC) endorsed former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, an Italian American, who is running as an independent in the mayoral race, having lost the Democratic primary in June to Democratic mayoral nominee and Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (A.D. 36).

 

The PAC recognized what it described as Cuomo’s “enduring support for the Italian American community, its traditions, and its indelible contributions to the cultural fabric of New York.”

 

“Our community has always stood for the preservation of our heritage, our culture, and our hard-earned place in American history,” said James C. Lisa, president of NYS IAMPAC. “Andrew Cuomo has consistently stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Italian Americans, defending our heritage, celebrating our contributions, and honoring the values that define our community. His leadership has always reflected pride in where we come from and a vision for where we are going.”

 

Meanwhile, Anthony Bonomo, vice president of the PAC, said, “Our endorsement reflects both our confidence in Andrew Cuomo’s leadership and our faith in his commitment to ensure that Italian American history, culture, and values remain a vital part of New York’s future. We proudly stand with him as he seeks to lead this city we all love.”

The PAC also expressed “deep gratitude” to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who recently dropped out of the mayoral general election, for what the PAC described as the mayor’s “unwavering support of Columbus Day, and for protecting the Columbus Circle monument, ensuring that it remains in perpetuity as a beacon of unity and recognition.”

 

“Mayor Adams, an African American, understands full well why Christopher Columbus became our hero,” said Lisa. “Following the largest mass lynching in U.S. history, the 1891 New Orleans tragedy in which 11 Italians were murdered, the United States sought to heal relations with Italy and the Italian American community. It was then, in 1892, that President Benjamin Harrison declared the second Monday in October as Columbus Day, a day of recognition, reconciliation, and pride.”

 

Cav. Joseph V. Scelsa, founder and president of the Italian American Museum and Honorary Chairman of NYS IAMPAC, added, “In 2018, then-Governor Andrew Cuomo ensured that the Columbus Monument in New York City was officially placed on the National Registry of Historic Places, preserving it forever as a symbol of our community’s resilience, sacrifice, and enduring contributions.”

 

That historic act, Scelsa noted, “remains a powerful example of leadership rooted in both pride and principle.” The New York State Italian American PAC went on to say that it celebrates “leaders like Andrew Cuomo, whose actions reflect a deep respect for Italian American perseverance and progress.”

The PAC also said it reaffirms its commitment to “protecting our history, defending our dignity, and ensuring that the voices and values of our ancestors continue to echo through the generations.”

 

Earlier this year, many believed this year might have been the last time students from Preston High School, a Catholic high school for girls located in Throggs Neck, would march in the parade as the school was due to close after 75 years.

 

However, as reported, following a public hearing earlier this year organized by New York Attorney General Letitia James, a deal was ultimately brokered between Bally’s Corporation of North America and the Sisters of the Divine Compassion, in discussions with the School Board of Trustees, to purchase the site for $8.5 million and agree on a leasing arrangement for a dollar a year over the next 25 years.

 

Many notable public figures graduated from Preston, including City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farías (C.D. 18), who, among a long list of others, testified at the hearing, and singer, producer and actor Jennifer Lopez, who also voiced her support for the school via social media.

Melani,16, a student at the school, told Norwood News after marching with classmates, “We all really made sure that we were heard during it [the hearing] because our school almost closed.” She added, “We just really made our presence known.”

 

Meanwhile, as reported, James was recently indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice on alleged mortgage fraud charges in a suspected act of retribution by the Trump administration. The attorney general denies any wrongdoing and Democrats have been rallying to support her in recent weeks, including at the 2nd No Kings Day parade in Manhattan on Saturday, Oct. 18.

 

As reported by NBC, though not a federal holiday, 17 states, including California, Texas and Maine, as well as Washington, D.C., have holidays honoring Native Americans, some of which are on the second Monday in October, according to the Pew Research Center.

 

The outlet also reported that Indigenous Peoples Day is typically paired with Columbus Day, and that dozens of cities and school systems observe Indigenous Peoples Day as well.

In Pelham Bay Park, the Bronx Native American Festival was held on Sunday, Sept. 28, hosted by NYC Parks, in conjunction with the Bronx Council for the Arts, Red Moon Arts, Native Tec, Friends of Pelham Bay Park, and the Bobby Gonzalez Legacy Project. This year, participants honored Gonzalez, a Taino master of ceremonies for 25 years.

 

Featured performances included those from this year’s master of ceremonies Tecumseh Ceaser (Matinecock, Unkechaug, Montaukett), Cetiliztli Nauhcampa (Mexica), Grupo Higuayagua (Taino), Old Sound Singers (Inter-Tribal), Shihan Candy Warixi Soto Bohike (Yamacuno Yukayeke Taino), Teao Mana (Polynesian) and Thunderbird American Indian Dancers (Inter-Tribal). Click here for more on the festival.

 

Meanwhile, the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Parade 2025 was held in Manhattan on Oct. 18, “honoring Native heritage, culture, and resilience.” Participants from many nations gathered to celebrate their traditions, music, and unity in the heart of Manhattan.

The Annual Indigenous Peoples’ Parade took place in Manhattan October 18, 2025. Video courtesy of New York Street via YouTube

The Annual Columbus Day parade in Manhattan was canceled this year due to the nor’easter storm on Monday, Oct. 13.

 

Meanwhile, back at the 48th Bronx Columbus Day Parade, Melani’s mom, Lilyana, told Norwood News, “It was a lesser crowd this year than last and it was a little more rambunctious last year. Probably the weather [caused lower turnout]…  It was still fantastic!”