Columbus Day: A Tapestry of Heritage, Controversy, and a Touch of Cheek
Ah, Columbus Day! The annual American spectacle where the stars and stripes are replaced by red, white, and green, as the nation pauses to celebrate the 1492 journey of Christopher Columbus—the man who, as legend has it, discovered America, or at least had a very confusing GPS! This year, as every year, the second Monday in October has folks pulling out their best Italian flags and practicing their best “Mamma mia!” in preparation for the festivities. It’s like a cultural mash-up event, where everyone’s invited, but you must endure a painfully long parade that reminds you of why you never wanted to attend college in the first place.
The Italian-American Connection
Italian-Americans really know how to throw a party. This year’s Columbus Day parade in New York City is expected to draw thousands, as the Columbus Citizens Foundation pulls out all the stops, making sure the event is as lively as a family reunion after a decade-long feud. With the likes of Mariangela Zappia, the Italian ambassador to the U.S., and the ever-so-charming Consul General Fabrizio Di Michele strutting down Fifth Avenue, you know it’s going to be more than just a few dudes in loafers waving hats around.
The Ambassador Speaks—With Passion!
In an interview, Ambassador Zappia remarked, “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 controversy.” Well, isn’t that charming? In summary, she’s saying, “Look over here, folks! Forget about the history lessons; we’re here for the party.” Good luck telling that to the people who have strong views on Columbus’s actual legacy!
Presidential Endorsements—Because Who Doesn’t Love a Good Cue from the Oval Office?
This year, President Joe Biden jumped onto the Columbus Day bandwagon, issuing an official statement applauding the courage and strength of Italian-Americans. He stated, “For many Italian Americans, the story of Christopher Columbus’ voyage remains a source of pride.” Ah yes, the same voyage that also kicked off a massive cultural collision—one that many would argue went a bit sideways.
Now, let’s give Biden some credit: he acknowledges that Italian-Americans faced their own share of discrimination and hardship after arriving in the Land of Opportunity, declaring that “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 year before.” It’s a complex history that sounds like a plot twist worthy of a Netflix documentary.
A New Addition: The Torch of Universiade
If there’s one thing you can count on, it’s that along with the spaghetti and cannoli, there will also be a flaming torch celebrating the upcoming Turin 2025 Winter Universiade. Yes, because who doesn’t want to see a relay race of a torch on Fifth Avenue amidst a parade known for its floats and high-carb diets? This year, excitement was palpable as the torch took off from Fifth Avenue, promising to make its way to Lausanne, Switzerland for the final act of this theatrical tour. Cue the dramatic music!
Wrapping It Up
As the parade marches on, and our conversations about culture, identity, and history ignite fiery debates, let’s remember that Columbus Day is far more than a simple day off. It’s a celebration of heritage mingled with controversy, where folks come together to honor their ancestors—and, in some cases, a history that might need a little TLC. So grab your cannoli, wave your flags, and maybe work on that “Mamma mia!”—it’s a day to remember whether we like it or not!
The United States stops for Columbus Day, the celebrations for the anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492 which is celebrated every second Monday in October, although in reality the anniversary of the Genoese navigator’s landing is October 12th.
The anniversary is celebrated throughout the country with stars and stripes but is particularly felt by Italian-Americans. This year too, a large parade will be held involving US citizens of Italian origins together with authorities and institutions and which takes place between Fifth Avenue, 45th and 72nd Street 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 underlined: “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 controversy”.
Columbus Day, New York (Ansa)
Biden: “Columbus’ voyage remains a source of pride”
Friday President Joe Biden published an official statement on the White House website which 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 US head of state always underlines, “For many Italian-Americans, the lives of their ancestors were not always easy. In addition to the challenges of starting a life in a new land, 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 year before. Despite the hatred, Italian Americans have stood firm, advancing our nation 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 Colmbus Day.
The torch of the Universiade
In the context of the celebrations for Columbus Day, on Fifth Avenue in New York the torch of the Turin 2025 Winter Universiade took off, scheduled from 13 to 23 January.
The flame was brought by Alessandro Ciro Sciretti, president of the organizing committee of the games, alongside whom there were Consul Di Michele and Ambassador Zappia, as well as Professor Gary Rhodes, head of department at California State University and president of the US committee Pierre de Cubertin, and Fabrizio Ricca, president of the honorary committee of the Universiade and representative of the Piedmont Region.
Columbus Day, New York (afp)
The relay in three continents
The presence of the Universiade organizing committee at the parade is a consecration of the importance of the event in promoting Italy in the world. The World University Games include stages on university campuses and in symbolic places of tourism and culture.
The relay of the international phase started on 23 September from Brussels and reached Rabatin Morocco. On 9 October she returned to Italy, passing through the Foro Italico in Rome.
After parading along Fifth Avenue in New York, the torch will reach Lausanne, Switzerland, for the final stage of the international phase.
