NYC Columbus Day Parade to Proceed Despite Approaching Nor’easter
New York City’s 81st annual Columbus Day Parade is still scheduled to take place Monday, despite a nor’easter bringing high winds and heavy rain to the region.
The parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. and is expected to last approximately three and a half hours, concluding around 3:00 p.m., preceded by a special mass at 9:00 a.m. inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The route will extend up Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, covering roughly 30 blocks from East 42nd Street to East 72nd Street, passing landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center. This event is a significant cultural celebration for the Italian-American community in New York City and beyond.
The NYPD has announced a series of street closures to accommodate the parade, including sections of Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue, and various cross streets between East 43rd and East 79th Streets. Most banks and the U.S. Postal Service will be closed today, as Columbus Day is a federal holiday. For those planning to visit attractions, many museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and landmarks like the Statue of Liberty will remain open during normal hours. New York City public schools are closed, and alternate side parking rules and sanitation collection are suspended.
Yesterday, President Trump issued a proclamation reaffirming the importance of Columbus Day in American history, a stance differing from that of former President Biden who had previously recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Officials continue to monitor the weather and will provide updates if conditions necessitate changes to the parade schedule or route; for more information on closures, visit the NYC government website.
