Columbus Day in New York

 

The second Monday in October, New York celebrates one of its best-known festivities: Columbus Day, a holiday commemorating Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas, paying homage to his Italian origin. Which is why the Italian American community emerges as absolute protagonist of this celebration in an impressive parade that takes over Fifth Avenue. As such, it is common for New York-based Italian restaurants to offer specials around this date, as the entire city turns red, white, and green.

This is a great time to embrace the Italian culture, so firmly rooted in the Big Apple, by exploring what is left of Little Italy (in the section of Mulberry Street between Broome and Canal streets), tasting one of their magnificent pizzas with that genuine taste only Italians know how to cook up, or visiting the Italian American Museum, bringing together some of the most precious treasures of this immigrant community.

You can get lost in the aromas and search for the perfect plate of pasta or pizza; or if you prefer, you can also play it safe by trying one of these delicious Italian restaurants in New York City:

• Marea: with two Michelin stars, excellent reviews in media outlets of the likes of The New York Times, and thousands of compliments from its clientele, this restaurant located on 240 Central Park S, brings together the best of the Mediterranean Sea and cuisine to serve it in the most succulent way. From unique antipasti, oysters and seafood to the very best homemade pasta.
• A voce: creative dishes and market cuisine with a distinct Italian taste. Where to find them? 10 Columbus Circle, 3ª floor. Tel: 212.823.2523
• Apizz: a warm atmosphere where to indulge in the best fusion of traditional and avant-garde Italian cuisine. Lasagna, ravioli, gnocchi, and wood-fired pizzas. Could anyone ask for more? You’ll find it on 217 Eldridge Street.
• Marco Polo Ristorante: widely acclaimed by lovers of authentic Italian food. In the heart of Brooklyn (345 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231), this restaurant is known for the Chef’s house specials.

Interestingly enough, this year’s celebration of Columbus Day coincides with October 12th. In other words, the day of Día de la Hispanidad, giving added importance to this great event. In fact, it was on October 12^th, 1866 that the New York’s Italian community organized its first celebration commemorating the discovery of the Americas, and Columbus Day was thus born. Later on, in 1892, a statue was created to honor Columbus and placed in Columbus Avenue.

THE GREAT PARADE

Everything that’s worth celebrating in New York involves a parade, and Columbus Day is another great opportunity to bring out the heavy artillery and dazzle locals and tourists alike. Marching bands, floats, marines marking time… up to 35,000 participants gather from 11.30am until 3pm between Fifth Avenue and 44th Street.

Our basic suggestion is to follow standard protocol: get there early and find a first-row spot from which to photograph and not miss a moment of the great parade unfolding live in front of you. And if crowds are not your thing, worry not, because the show is always filmed by over 100 cameras broadcasting all details on TV under the watchful eye of over one million viewers.