Information on Columbus Day 2009 celebrations of parades and festivals in New Jersey.
Columbus Day celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the Americas, on October 12, 1492, or as some historians claim, that event set in motion the chain of events that led to the discovery of the United States as we know it today. |
With a large immigration of Catholics during the mid-19th century and in response to discrimination from anti-immigrant activists, most notably the Ku Klux Klan, Catholics created organizations to combat discrimination and provide a means of survival for struggling immigrants.
The Knights of Columbus who chose that name in part because they viewed Christopher Columbus, a Catholic as the icon of the struggle of Catholic immigrants and their pursuit of citizenship.
Today many Italian-Americans and Italian-American organizations such as the Sons of Italy and the Italian-American Association observe Columbus Day as a celebration of their heritage.
The first known celebration of Columbus Day began in New York City, a city with a large Catholic population, occurred on October 12, 1866.
Columbus Day was first celebrated as a holiday in the United States as a result of the efforts of Angelo Noce, a first generation Italian, in Denver. In April 1934, as a result of lobbying by the Knights of Columbus, Congress and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt set aside October 12 as Columbus Day and a Federal holiday.
North Jersey Columbus Day Parades and Festivals |
North Jersey Columbus Day Parade
Sunday, October 4, 2009
201-646-3902
Starting at Noon on Main Street in Hackensack |
| East Hanover, NJ Columbus Day Parade - Starting at 2pm along Ridgedale Avenue from Lurker Park to Town Center Square |
| Newark, NJ Columbus Day Parade - Beginning at 1 p.m. at Fifth Street and Broadway. The parade route is north along Broadway to 39th Street, then west past the reviewing stand at Stephen R. Gregg/Hudson County/Bayonne Park at Avenue C for the conclusion of the event. |
Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade
973-284-4960 - The parade begins at 1:30pm. Parade line up will be at 12:00pm. Parade starts in Belleville at the High School and proceeds down Joralemon Street heading west and turns onto Franklin Avenue heading North. The parade will end in Nutley in front of the Walker Middle School. |
Central Jersey Columbus Day Parades and Festivals |
Long Branch, NJ Columbus Day Parade
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Parade begins at 8 am at Broadway and Route 36, and continues up Broadway. |
The Seaside Heights Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival
October 9, 10, & 11, 2009
732-477-6304
One of the largest Columbus Day parades in NJ with thousands of marchers and even more people lined along the parade route, will step off at 1 p.m. on Sunday on the Boulevard. There will be bands, floats, mummers and more. The Italian Festival Weekend begins at 4 pm on Friday, and at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday and will include an Antique Car Show and performers from Italy. |
South Jersey Columbus Day Parades and Festivals |
Pennsauken, NJ Charity Walk and Festival in Celebration of Columbus Day
Saturday, October 10, 2009
856-663-5800
Charity walk around Cooper River begins at 9:00 a.m.in Cooper River Park, North Park Drive, followed by festival activities, and then the Columbus Day ceremony at noon. In recognition of Columbus Day, the Sons of Italy will also honor two Italian-Americans for their contributions to the community, charity, and fostering a positive image of Italians in America. The event will also feature a festival with food, Italian-themed vendors and novelties, a bocce tournament and children’s activities area. The highlight of the day’s events will feature live entertainment, including comedian Uncle Floyd and singer Al Chance, a performance by crooner Michael Castaldo, a singer, recording artist, composer and connoisseur, and a special appearance by Bob Charger, Radio Personality, from WOGL 98.1 FM. The proceeds of the Charity Walk and Festival will benefit the organization’s philanthropic activities, including scholarships for high school students, medical research, and supporting the preservation and promotion of Italian-American heritage and culture.
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Sea Isle City Italian-American Festival and Columbus Day Parade
Saturday, October 10, 2009
609-263-4461 x230
The Columbus Day Parade starts at 2:00 pm in front of the Italian American Club and ventures down Landis Avenue and ends at KIX-McNutley's, 63rd Street where the 2nd Annual Italian-American Festival will have started at 1:00 pm until dusk. The festival has over 35 food & various merchants.
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