Columbus Day Parade controversies

Crowds with umbrellas lined the route of the Columbus Day Parade to take in the sights and sounds of this Italian-American cultural celebration, which has been a fixture in the city since 1929. Historical costumes mixed with floats and fun in defiance of the weather and the Columbus controversy. Mayor Bill de Blasio also emphasized that Italian-Americans are immigrants, and like many who speak a language other than English, were subject to discrimination. He said his Italian heritage means a lot to him. Waving an Italian flag and cheering with the crowd, the mayor marched with the Columbia Association of the Sanitation Department.