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NYC Columbus Day Parade Guide: Events, Things To Do

Columbus Day Parade In NYC Celebrates Italian Heritage
A girl rides on a float with a bust of Christopher Columbus' head during the Columbus Day Parade on Fifth Avenue on October 12, 2015. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

Columbus Day is marked in Manhattan by one of its most famous parades, along with appearances by politicians and performers alike. Whether you're looking to bring the family or live it up with some friends, CBSNewYork has your all-out guide to doing it right.

St. Patrick's Cathedral
St. Patrick's Cathedral on Sept. 23, 2015 (Credit: Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images)

Columbus Day Mass

St. Patrick's Cathedral
14 E. 51st St (at Fifth Ave.)
212-753-2261
saintpatrickscathedral.org

St. Patrick's Cathedral held its annual holiday mass Monday morning, ahead of the parade festivities.

Columbus Day Parade In NYC Celebrates Italian Heritage
Revelers watch the Columbus Day Parade on Fifth Avenue on October 12, 2015. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

The Parade

Monday, October 10, 2016
Fifth Ave. from 44th to 72nd Streets
11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m

The Columbus Day parade is prime time to celebrate your Italian heritage - even if you're only Italian for the day. The action takes place along Fifth Avenue where thousands of marchers, bands, floats and upwards of a million spectators are expected to fill the streets for a vibrant celebration.

The Parade will kick off at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 10, on Fifth Ave at 44th Street before it makes its way north to 72nd St.

This year, the parade will be led by Grand Marshal Robert LaPenta, a member of the Columbus Citizens Foundation and New York native. Chef Mario Batali and business leader Federica Marchionni will join the festivities as honorees.

Click here for more information on the parade.

Scarpetta
(credit: Scarpetta)

Where To Eat And Drink

Best Pasta Dishes In NYC

Octobers is also National Pasta Month, so why not celebrate Columbus Day in true Italian fashion by digging into some of the best pasta dishes in New York? From pappardelle to traditional spaghetti and meatballs, here's our roundup of the best eateries serving up Italy's best.

Best Restaurants In Little Italy

Head downtown after the parade to NYC's Little Italy, for a number of Italian restaurants serving up authentic Italian dishes.

For more to do in Little Italy, click here. 

Best Cannoli In NYC

Cannoli come in all shapes and sizes, from miniature versions to monster versions, stuffed with a creamy ricotta filling, dipped in chocolate, or transformed into a cheesecake or crepe. Our five favorite cafes and bakeries for cannoli tend to be a little more old country.

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