Italian pride back on the
march after COVID-19 hiatus
BY DEAN MOSES
“That’s amore!” New Yorkers
fl ock to the streets in celebration
of Italian heritage during
the 77th Columbus Day parade in
Manhattan on Oct. 11.
The Italian fl ag’s green, white and red
colors, also known as the il Tricolore, were
fl own along Fifth Avenue from 45th to
72nd Streets, as spectators watched one of
the largest in-person marches to bestow the
streets of New York since the COVID-19
pandemic began.
Dozens of fl oats were led by Grand
Marshal Michael Pascucci & Honorees
Joe Gurrera, Jodi Pulice and Humanitarian
Recipient FDNY Commissioner Daniel
Nigro as onlookers cheered, clapping to
traditional Italian music, some of which
was sung live. Coordinated by the Columbus
Citizens Foundation, the organization
boasts that the New York City parade has
become the world’s largest celebration in
honor of Italian-American culture and
heritage.
Cheering, the return of the parade bought joy to many.
The grand affair drew top city offi cials
and celebrities including actor Chazz Palminteri,
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Mayor
Bill de Blasio, Governor Kathy Hochul,
Commissioner Dermot Shea and others.
For Shea, the shouts for joy and sight of
PHOTO BY DEAN MOSES
mirth gave the event an ambiance that New
York City is alive and well.
“You can feel the energy. We miss so
many of these great days. It’s great to be
back, and I’m looking forward to New York
alive and well,” Shea said.
While the celebration of Columbus Day
has become a subject of controversy, Shea
adds that he simply wants to see New Yorkers
rejoicing.
“What I think is that there is too much
controversy these days. Let’s just be out
here, enjoy the day and celebrate,” Shea
said.
Governor Kathy Hochul, on the other
hand, feels that New York is diverse, and
believes that both Italian heritage and Indigenous
Peoples Day should be celebrated.
“This is Indigenous People’s Day and
I have a proclamation arriving shortly. I
also want to celebrate the heritage of the
thousands of Italian Americans who came
here as immigrants like my relatives came
from Ireland, many came from Italy, and
they have made incredible contributions
to the world of hospitality, entertainment,
and business, and it’s also an opportunity
to honor them as well. We are doing it all
here today. It’s what New York is about, it’s
all inclusive,” Hochul said. “Let celebrate!
This is the fi rst holiday parade we have
been able to have with spectators since
pandemic hit. So, this is a great day for
New Yorkers.”
Many spectators gathered outside of St.
Patrick’s Cathedral to watch the exuberant
extravaganza alongside Cardinal Dolan,
even posing with Mayor de Blasio for attendees
and press.
Indigenous Peoples Day: Free events
celebrate resilience on Randalls Island
BY DEAN MOSES
Indigenous Peoples Day kicked
off their seventh-annual celebration
in New York City with
two days of free programming at
Randall’s Island Park from Oct.
10 to Oct. 11.
The controversy surrounding
Columbus Day came to a
head over the past year as many
called for an end to the holiday
and the removal of many of the
statues celebrating the infamous
explorer. So, as fl oats rode Uptown
watched by hundreds of
spectators on Monday afternoon
in celebration of Italian heritage,
Randall’s Island held a very different
festival.
Organized by Indigenous
Peoples Day (IPD) NYC and
several other groups, this culturally
rich commemoration honored
the role in Indigenous people have
had in shaping the county with
24-hours of activities, inviting
Indigenous Peoples Day was celebrated at Randall’s Island Park on Oct. 10 and Oct. 11.
native leaders, Elders, medicine
people, cultural performers and
more from across North America,
including Polynesian Islands, Caribbean,
and other areas.
Historically, New York City
was originally inhabited by the
Lenape, and their lands were
called Lenapehoking. Group organizers
hoped the event would
help shine awareness on the Indigenous
traditions and history
PHOTO BY ADRIAN CHILDRESS
as well as rethinking the concept
behind Columbus Day through
song, dance, art, and prayer.
Monday morning began with
a Sunrise observance at 7 a.m.
followed by a Water ceremony.
According to Netooeusqua, who
led the ceremony, this service is
performed by Indigenous tribes
from the East River, pouring
water from their own lands and
giving thanks. “Water is Life is
the message,” Netooeusqua said.
This year, the observance had
even greater signifi cance after Joe
Biden became the fi rst president
to issue a proclamation on Oct. 8
in support of Indigenous Peoples’
Day.
“Today, we recognize Indigenous
peoples’ resilience and
strength as well as the immeasurable
positive impact that they
have made on every aspect of
American society,” the president
wrote in the proclamation.
The festivities included a Fire
Dance by Mexican Nation Kalpulli
Xochiquetza, a smoke dance, and
a War Hawk Dance (showcasing
how prey is stalked during battle).
In addition, there were spoken
word and rap performances.
18 October 14, 2021 Schneps Media