Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield will become a festive atmosphere for a Columbus Day parade filled with 100 bands, floats, organizations and businesses showcasing the region’s Italian history – known as the city’s “Little Italy.”

Pittsburgh Steelers’ great Franco Harris, will serve as Grand Marshal.

The Pittsburgh Columbus Day Parade begins at 11 a.m. on Oct. 9.

“Italians and Italian-Americans are known for their welcoming and warm spirit, and we extend an invitation to all Pittsburghers to join us as we celebrate Italian heritage and traditions in this region,” said parade organizer Tony Ferraro. “ Pittsburgh is known the world over as a symbol of hard work, acceptance and accomplishment. We are especially honored to recognize Franco Harris as a shining example of the kind of community we strive to be.”

Tribune-Review Steelers Hall of Famer Franco Harris is a traditional participant in the Pittsburgh Columbus Day Parade in Bloomfield. He greeted Carla Lucente, a Duquesne University Professor, while riding in the parade on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019. He will be Grand Marshal of this year’s event on Oct. 9.  

The route will begin near West Penn Hospital on Liberty Avenue and proceed towards the Bloomfield Bridge. He said this is the perfect spot because of the area’s ethnic history and the local businesses and vendors who support the parade.

The parade honors Italian heritage and recognize the work of Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus, Ferraro said. Columbus Day, a federal holiday that commemorates the arrival of Columbus in America, will be recognized on Oct. 11.

He said Pittsburgh’s Italian population is estimated to be the fifth largest in America by the Italian Sons & Daughters of America Western Pennsylvania District, the parade’s host and sponsor.

Tribune-Review Italian organizations from across the region celebrated their cultural heritage during Pittsburgh’s annual Columbus Day Parade on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019 in Bloomfield. This year’s event is Oct. 9.  

The parade will feature high school marching bands, civic organizations and Italian cultural groups.

Ferraro said they are asking attendees to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention covid guidelines. The Pittsburgh Columbus Day Parade, which has been in existence since 1985, was canceled last year because of the pandemic.

Planning a parade takes time and money he said. They were able to raise funds through donations to host the event this year. He said the parade is truly special as everyone works together to emerge from a global pandemic. He recognized the work of co-chair Patricia M. Mocello, who died in September.

“She was an amazing woman and a friend,” he said. “She loved this parade and everything about the Italian traditions in this city.”

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