Partito del Sud New York: 2009 Columbus Day Parade observations and pictorial

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 Genovese may rightfully claim special pride in their countryman, the great explorer belongs to us all the same way Homer, Beethoven and Shakespeare do.

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.

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.

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.

The Venetian float declares: "The Great Masters of Veneto" accurately describing them as Venetian instead of Italian.

The Masonic Garibaldi Lodge is shown marching with a modified Italian flag. The likeness of Garibaldi along with Masonic symbols are superimposed over the Italian tricolor, openly flaunting the Masonic connection to the Risorgimento.

The Garibaldi Brigade as represented by historical reenactors reminds us of their part in the American Civil War, apparently the American South was no safer from them.

Sicily was well represented, the parade would not be complete without a traditional Sicilian cart.

People enjoyed traditional music and dance from Campania.

The cold weather was no match for the festive Calabrians.

These reenactors from Lerici, Northern Italy show the obvious benefits of preserving the past.

Photos courtesy of New York Scugnizzo

(Reprinted with permission from Magna GRECE)

Fonte:Partito del sud New York