New York City’s 81st annual Columbus Day Parade, scheduled for Monday, has been canceled as the governor declares a state of emergency amid severe storms and widespread flooding across the tri-state area.
The Columbus Citizens Foundation, the group behind Manhattan’s annual parade, stunned the city Sunday night by announcing its cancellation—just over 12 hours before it was set to kick off.
The group confirmed that the parade will not be rescheduled, leaving this year’s celebration canceled for good.
New York City’s 81st annual Columbus Day Parade on Monday was canceled due to the governor’s state of emergency order and inclement weather. Robert Mecea
Revelers celebrate Christopher Columbus during New York’s 2024 parade. James Messerschmidt
“Due to the Governor’s declaration of a State of Emergency this evening in response to the dangerous weather conditions brought on by the Nor’easter, including high winds, heavy rain and flooding in surrounding areas, we must cancel the 81st Annual Columbus Day Parade for the safety of all participants and viewers,” the CCF wrote in a statement obtained by FOX 5 NY.
“While we cannot reschedule this year’s parade, we look forward to seeing everyone at our 82nd annual parade in 2026.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency Sunday evening, putting all five boroughs—as well as Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties—on high alert.
“Due to the Governor’s declaration of a State of Emergency this evening in response to the dangerous weather conditions brought on by the Nor’easter, including high winds, heavy rain and flooding in surrounding areas, we must cancel the 81st Annual Columbus Day Parade for the safety of all participants and viewers,” the CCF wrote in a statement. Robert Mecea
New Jersey wasn’t spared either—officials have declared a state of emergency across the entire state.
These declarations unlock emergency funds to tackle any storm-related damage, should the need arise.
Both orders are set to remain in effect through Monday evening as the nor’easter continues to lash the East Coast.
The state of emergency, announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul, is in effect for all five boroughs as well as Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties. Robert Mecea
The storm’s peak is expected to strike during the next two high tides—overnight at midnight and again at noon Monday—bringing surges up to 3 feet and waves as tall as 15 feet along coastal communities.
The latest forecasts warn of wind gusts up to 60 mph in the Big Apple—creating dangerously unstable conditions for the parade.
The parade’s cancellation follows President Trump’s Thursday declaration designating Oct. 13 as Columbus Day nationwide, despite ongoing moves to recognize it instead as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
“Columbus Day — we’re back, Italians. We love Italians,” Trump declared.
During his term, former President Joe Biden issued similar proclamations each October, officially recognizing Oct. 13 as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
This year’s parade was canceled due to a nor’easter hitting the East Coast. James Messerschmidt
Columbus Day became a federal holiday in 1971, but Italian-American communities have been honoring it since the early 1900s.
The movement to remove monuments of Christopher Columbus gained momentum in response to the 1891 lynchings in New Orleans, where 11 Italian Americans were hanged over their alleged connection to the murder of Police Chief David Hennessy.
Rumor has it that Hennessy’s final words included a derogatory slur against Italians, leading the public to assume Mafia involvement in his death.
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul (second from right) attends the 2024 parade. Hochul canceled this year’s parade over a nor’easter. James Messerschmidt
Many of the men arrested in connection with Hennessy’s murder had solid alibis and no proven ties to the crime. When six were acquitted, public outrage erupted, and a mob stormed the city jail to exact vigilante justice.
"The tragedy nearly pushed the U.S. and Italy to the brink of a full diplomatic break. In response, President Benjamin Harrison proclaimed a one-time national observance in 1892 to mark the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage.
Afterwards, many Italian-American communities embraced their newly celebrated hero, raising funds to erect memorials and statues in his honor.
