The United States pauses for Columbus Day, the celebrations of the anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492 which is celebrated every other Monday in October, even if in reality the anniversary of the landing of the Genoese navigator is October 12.
The anniversary is celebrated across the country with stars and stripes but is especially felt by Italian-Americans. Also this year a large parade will take place, in which American citizens of Italian origin, authorities and institutions will participate. and which takes place between Fifth Avenue, 45th and 72nd Streets in New York.
The Columbus Citizens Foundation is organizing the event and Mariangela Zappia, Italian Ambassador to the United States, and Fabrizio Di Michele, Consul General of Italy in New York, are also participating.
The Ambassador: “Day celebrated with passion and enthusiasm”
Interviewed by the Voice of New York, Ambassador Zappia he emphasized: “It is an honor to celebrate Italian culture and participate in the Columbus Day Parade. The passion and enthusiasm with which all these people celebrate this day. demonstrate that its value goes far beyond the controversy“.
Columbus Day, New York (Handle)
Biden: “Columbus’s voyage remains a source of pride”
Friday President Joe Biden released an official statement on the White House website that states: “For many Italian-Americans, the story of Christopher Columbus' voyage remains a source of pride. It doesn't matter whether their families arrived here centuries ago or only recently. The courage, strength and character of Italian Americans are woven into the rich tapestry of our country.“.
As the American head of state always emphasizes: “For many Italian-Americans, the lives of their ancestors were not always easy. In addition to the challenges of starting life in a new country, they faced discrimination. Columbus Day was founded by President Benjamin Harrison in 1892 in response to the horrific xenophobic attack. during which eleven Italian-Americans had lost their lives the previous year. Despite the hatred, Italian Americans stood firm, moving our nation forward and challenging us to live up to our highest values.“. Before Biden, Donald Trump had also reaffirmed the link with Italy in 2017 on the occasion of Columbus Day..
The flame of the Universiade
As part of Columbus Day celebrations on Fifth Avenue in New York Torch parade for the Turin 2025 Winter Universiade, scheduled for January 13 to 23.
The flame was carried by Alessandro Ciro Sciretti, president of the organizing committee of the games, alongside whom were Consul Di Michele and Ambassador Zappia, as well as Professor Gary Rhodes, head of department at the State University of California and president of the American committee Pierre de Cubertin, and to Fabrizio Ricca, president of the Universiade honorary committee and representative of the Piedmont Region.
Columbus Day, New York (dpa)
The relay on three continents
The presence of the Universiade organizing committee at the parade is a confirmation of the importance of the event for the promotion of Italy in the world. The World University Games include stages on university campuses and in places symbolic of tourism and culture.
The international phase relay left Brussels on September 23 and reached Rabatin Morocco. On October 9, she returned to Italy via the Foro Italico in Rome.
After parading along Fifth Avenue in New York, the flame will reach Lausanne, Switzerland, for the final leg of the international phase.
