The Columbus Day Parade in New York City celebrates the landing of Columbus in the Americas in 1492, to honor his voyage across the Atlantic Ocean and to recognize Italian-American heritage.

Columbus Day is a U.S. holiday that commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas in 1492 but did not become a federal holiday until 1937. For many, the holiday is a way of both honoring Columbus’ achievements and celebrating Italian-American heritage. But throughout its history, Columbus Day and the man who inspired it have generated controversy, and many alternatives to the holiday have proposed since the 1970s including Indigenous People’s Day, now celebrated in many U.S. states and cities.

Produced by Matthew Meany
Hosted by John Catsimatidis, Margo Catsimtidis, Frank Morano, Sal Salzanno
Photos by Jill Nelson, WABC Radio