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.

“New York City would not be the city it is today without our Italian community,” Hizzoner shared on social media following the march. “So great to join the Federation of Italian American Organizations of Brooklyn for their annual Columbus Day Parade, renewing our shared bonds as New Yorkers for an even brighter future for all.”

The parade was preceded last weekend by a fundraising brunch at the El Caribe, where organizers united to borough’s Italian-American Community to celebrate heritage and honor this year’s Grand Marshals.

The annual fundraiser, held this year on Oct. 6, supports the Brooklyn Columbus Day Parade and serves as a platform to recognize key figures in the community. This year’s Grand Marshals include Council Member David Carr, Dr. David Pretto, attorney Joseph S. Rosato, Esq. and educator Chiara Spagnolo.

The honorees, each with deep roots in public service, law, and education, were praised for their leadership and dedication.

Spagnolo was born and raised in Brooklyn. As the eldest daughter of Italian immigrants John and Vittoria Spagnolo, she grew up surrounded by family traditions that deeply influenced her path in life. Her father came to the U.S. from Mola di Bari at just five years old, and her mother from Calabria at age 11. Spagnolo’s childhood memories of living with her grandparents and attending P.S. 177 inspired her to become a teacher, a role in which she continues to give back to the community that shaped her. She remains proud of her District 21 roots and is committed to providing children with the same opportunities she cherished growing up.

Another honoree, Council Member David Carr, represents the 50th Council District and chairs the Council Italian Caucus. His involvement in politics began when he was just 10 years old, working on local campaigns. His passion for government grew as he took on constituent services in the United States House of Representatives, followed by eight years as Chief of Staff to City Council Minority Leader Steven Matteo. Elected to the Council in 2021, Carr has been instrumental in passing 27 bills and allocating vital resources to community organizations.

Dr. David Pretto, the Community Superintendent for District 20, which covers Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, and Sunset Park, has a reputation for transforming schools and improving student outcomes. Before his current role, he served as Deputy Superintendent in East Harlem’s District 4, successfully turning around a struggling school, earning it a “Good Standing” status. Under his leadership, District 20 has seen significant progress in reading and math, thanks to innovative programs he’s implemented.

Attorney Joseph S. Rosato, Esq., is the president of the Brooklyn Bar Association and the founding member of The Rosato Firm P.C., which specializes in personal injury and complex litigation matters. With over $200 million in verdicts and settlements, Rosato is recognized as one of New York’s top attorneys, having been named a New York Super Lawyer, an honor bestowed upon only 5% of lawyers in the state.

Additional reporting by Arthur de Gaeta