Crowds braved the rain to celebrate the 18th Avenue Columbus Day Parade, marching from 61st Street to the “Il Centro” Community Center.
Photo by Arthur de Gaeta
Bensonhurst’s 18th Avenue was alive with energy on Saturday as locals from all walks of life weathered the storm for the neighborhood’s storied Columbus Day Parade.
The day began with a pre-parade mass at St. Athanasius Church. The march kicked off at 1 p.m. from 61st Street, continuing along 18th Avenue to the Federation of Italian American Organizations’ “Il Centro” Community Center.
Crowds braved the rain to celebrate the 18th Avenue Columbus Day Parade, marching from 61st Street to the “Il Centro” Community Center.Photo by Arthur de GaetaCrowds braved the rain to celebrate the 18th Avenue Columbus Day Parade, marching from 61st Street to the “Il Centro” Community Center.Photo by Arthur de GaetaCrowds braved the rain to celebrate the 18th Avenue Columbus Day Parade, marching from 61st Street to the “Il Centro” Community Center.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta
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The procession featured colorful floats, marching bands and community groups, and this year’s grand marshals included Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Harry L. D’Onofrio of D’Onofrio General Contractors Corporation, Joseph Paolilo Sr., founder of A&S Pork Store, and Lorenzo & Antonietta Rizzo, former owners of Beaver Construction.
Council Member Susan Zhuang dances through the rain along 18th Avenue.Photo by Arthur de GaetaBrooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso joins the fun, twirling and cheering in the rain as parade-goers celebrate along Cristoforo Colombo Boulevard.Photo by Arthur de GaetaAssembly Member William Colton embraces the rainy parade spirit.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta
The parade’s origins date back to 1981, when FIAO launched the event. Not long after, the thoroughfare was co-named Cristoforo Colombo Boulevard to celebrate the neighborhood’s rich Italian-American heritage.
Today, it is billed as “the longest parade in New York City.”
Grand marshals made their way down the avenue.Photo by Arthur de GaetaMarching bands, floats, and community groups brought color and energy.Photo by Arthur de GaetaSome dressed in costume for the parade.Photo by Arthur de GaetaCrowds braved the rain to celebrate the 18th Avenue Columbus Day Parade.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta
