2009 Columbus Day Parade Observations

These reenactors from Lerici show the obvious benefits of preserving the past

I celebrate Columbus Day because I'm a European-American not because I'm an "Italian." Despite some claims to the contrary, Columbus Day is an American celebration not an Italian-American holiday. While the Genoese may rightfully claim special pride in their countryman, the great explorer belongs to us all the same way Homer, Beethoven and Shakespeare do.

The Venetian float declares: "The Great Masters of Veneto,"
accurately describing them as Venetian and not Italian

These days Columbus Day is always surrounded by controversy. The disputes range from his role in colonialism by American-Indian groups to his recognition as the first European to discover the New World by Scandinavians, who correctly point out that the Vikings arrived here before him. I'll take this opportunity to add to the controversy by pointing out the differences among Italians in their celebration of the great explorer.

Sicily was well represented. The Parade would not be
complete without a traditional Sicilian cart

Every time I attend New York City's Columbus Day Parade I can't help but notice how the participants from Italy, with few exceptions, are organized by their regions and not as Italians. This, of course, is in stark contrast to Italo-Americans who mostly march together as Italians. Granted, the Americans march according to their job affiliations (Police, Fire Department, Sanitation, etc.) and by location, but for the most part they consider themselves one people, unlike their Italian counterparts. How do I know this? Quite simply, the Americans wave Italian flags while the Italians fly their regional bandiera.

The cold weather was no match for the festive Calabrians

In a time when the American concept of assimilation is being rapidly replaced with "diversity" perhaps the example of our guests from Italy, both North and South, will help Italian-Americans once again feel comfortable enough to reconnect with their regional roots.

Partygoers enjoyed traditional music and dance from Campania

The Masonic Garibaldi Lodge marching with modified Italian flag