Thousands line up along Fifth Avenue for Columbus Day parade in NYC

This particular parade is in its 71st year, and organizers say it is the largest celebration of italian-American culture in the world. “While we have no problem with indigenous people, we want to keep Columbus Day as it is; it’s worth celebrating”.

It’s the one day, when everyone walking along Fifth Avenue can claim to be just a little Italian, even if they know only a few words of the language. Music from area school marching bands echoed down the street, and children scrambled to collect candy thrown from various floats. “And this is a day for families to get together and celebrate their heritage together”, Parade Chairman Basil Russo said.

Anthony Roy, 29, who runs a website dedicated to changing the logo of the Chicago Blackhawks, was among the group of protestors. “It seems the only people that have learned from history are those scarred from it”. Nancy Buoni, 49, who is Irish, was at the parade supporting her two Italian friends.

A red, white and green line has been painted on the median of Morris Park Avenue that is part of the parade route, said parade coordinator Tony Signorile, and Italian flags will also be hung across the avenue and on utility poles for the event. 2015 Columbus Day Parade The parade’s theme, “The Time is Now”, is aimed at getting young Italian Americans involved. The crowds were enthusiastic on a mild fall day, but the parade also annually elicits criticism.

Seth Wenig/AP New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (second from left) poses for a picture with members of the Harlem Globetrotters before marching in the Columbus Day Parade in New York, Monday, October 12, 2015.