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New York
Thousands of people applauded Italian-American dignitaries and festive fanfares at the 74th annual Columbus Day parade along Fifth Avenue on Monday.
The event is described by the organizers of the parade as "the largest celebration of heritage and Italian-American culture in the United States".
Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio marched along the road leading to 72nd Street.
The grand marshal of the parade, Guy Chiarello, president of First Data Corporation, led the festivities. The Italian-American banking executive has been recognized for its philanthropy and community service.
Lawyer Letitia James, candidate for the position of Attorney General, and Republican candidate for governor, Marc Molinaro, also marched.
Among the laureates of the parade are New York's former First Lady Matilda Cuomo, the President of the Foundation of the Italian Language, Dr. Margaret Cuomo, and the Dean of the School of Business. Fordham University, Donna Rapaccioli.
In recent years, critics have called for the day and parade to be renamed Aboriginal Peoples Day. They claim that it would be a more appropriate title because of the ill-treatment that Columbus inflicted on the Amerindians.
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