Thousands of spectators flocked to 18th Avenue, also known as Cristoforo Colombo Boulevard, on Saturday, Oct. 12 to enjoy the 42nd Annual Brooklyn Columbus Day Parade. The celebration began with a pre-parade mass at 11:15 a.m. at St. Athanasius R.C. Church in Bensonhurst, followed by the parade at 1 p.m. The procession kicked off at 61st Street along the avenue, and concluded at the “Il Centro” Community Center. 

For the first time in the parade’s history, a Community Festival featuring music and activities took place outside Il Centro, offering an extended opportunity for celebration. Among the notable faces in the crowd were Mayor Eric Adams, who received an award lauded the neighborhood’s commitment to preserving Italian-American heritage.