Mamdani Skips Columbus Day Parade in Manhattan Amid Debate

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will not attend Monday's Columbus Day Parade on Fifth Avenue, as the event returns to Manhattan to celebrate Italian American heritage. Organizers held the parade with more than 100 groups and several bands, while Mamdani focused on other city duties.

According to ABC7 New York, the 82nd annual parade traveled from 44th Street to 72nd Street and was scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. The event concluded a three-day celebration highlighting Italian American culture and community contributions.

Mamdani had previously said during his mayoral campaign that he would skip some parades. His office said he planned to host an Italian American heritage reception at Gracie Mansion in the coming weeks.

"There are many parades that I would not be attending because I’d be focusing on the work of leading the city," said Zohran Mamdani, Mayor.

Mamdani's remarks came during a mayoral debate when opponents criticized his approach to attending public events. Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa argued that mayors should participate in all major parades.

"The mayor should be going to all parades," said Curtis Sliwa, Republican nominee.

The Brooklyn Columbus Day parade organizers said they wanted Mamdani to participate and viewed his absence as a missed opportunity to recognize the Italian American community.

"We welcome Mayor Mamdani at all our events and it’s unfortunate he can’t be here with us celebrating Italian American culture and the community — we look forward to welcoming him at future parades and hope he will join us in 2027," said Brooklyn Columbus Day parade organizers, parade organizers.

The mayor also released a video recognizing Italian American Heritage Month, which runs through October, according to ABC7 New York. The video highlighted Italian American history but did not mention Christopher Columbus.

Council Member Joan Ariola criticized Mamdani's decision and referenced his previous action involving a Christopher Columbus statue. She said Italian American voices had encouraged him not to attend the celebrations.

"I'm proud that I was part of the chorus of Italian American voices that encouraged the mayor to stay away from Columbus Day celebrations. Why would he want to be there? To get pictures? We will never forget the picture of him giving the statue of Christopher Columbus the middle finger," said Joan Ariola, Council Member.

Ray Dalio was named grand marshal of this year's parade, with his son Matt Dalio representing him at the Fifth Avenue event, according to ABC7 New York. The parade marked a return of the annual celebration of Italian American heritage in Manhattan.