The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans' 74th Columbus Day Parade kicked off Downtown Monday morning, days after the group and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas welcomed a special delegation from Italy during a flag-raising celebration.
Grand marshaled by actors Tony Danza and Cristiana Dell'Anna, as well as Lou Gramm, the original singer of the band Foreigner, the parade kicked off at 11:30 a.m. at Wacker Drive and Dearborn Street — forced from its traditional spot on State Street due to construction.
Among those marching in the parade were the Campagna Youth Orchestra, a 34-piece group from Campania, Italy, the parade's annual region of honor this year.
A giant Italian flag is held aloft and marched along the route of the 74th annual Columbus Day Parade, held Monday on North Dearborn Street in the Loop.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Cyr Wheel artists roll along during the 74th annual Columbus Day Parade Monday in the Loop.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Band members wearing bowties in the colors of the Italian flag play as they march in the 74th annual Columbus Day Parade Monday on Dearborn Street in the Loop.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
A singer on a float in the 74th annual Columbus Day Parade on Dearborn Street in the Loop on Monday.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Spectators cheer as floats pass by during the 74th annual Columbus Day Parade, celebrating Italian American heritage held Monday Oct. 12, 2026 on Dearborn Street in the Loop.
