Two events are planned this weekend that will celebrate Downtown Jersey City’s Italian heritage. The Village neighborhood in Downtown Jersey City was previously known as “Italian Village” after its large Italian population. This weekend, residents can explore that history with an Italian themed parade and historic walking tour of the neighborhood.
Columbus Day Parade
On Saturday, starting at 1pm, the 7th Annual Columbus Day Parade will depart from Dickinson High School and head down Newark Avenue as it makes its way to City Hall.
The Italian themed parade was resurrected after years of absence by its now chairman Nick Grillo. The parade honors Jersey City residents of Italian descent for their contributions to the community.
“This is a community parade to celebrate the people of Jersey City and their Italian heritage,” said Grillo. “That’s why this parade is so terrific. New businesses have opened, families and individuals are flowing in and Downtown Jersey City is flourishing more than ever.”
Honorees walking in the parade include:
Grand Marshal: Joseph Chiusolo
Italian Woman of the Year: Denise D’Alessandro
Italian Man of the Year: John Fio Rito
Italian Police Officer of the Year: Sgt. Phil Chidichimo
Italian Firefighter of the Year: Deputy Chief Anthony Della Rosa
Italian Businessman of the Year: Carmine Monteleone of Monteleone’s Bakery
Italian Medical Professional of the Year: Dr. Joseph Buttigheri
Italian Educator of the Year: Christina Mannuzza
Honorary Italian Woman of the Year: Maryanne Kelleher
Honorary Italian Man of the Year: Mike Ryan of P.J. Ryans
Miss Columbus: Danielle DePaula
Also, Jersey City Councilman Rich Boggiano will receive the Navigator Award.
More information can be found here: Jersey City Columbus Day Parade 2016
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Italian Village Historic Walking Tour
Also on Saturday, and again on Sunday, the Village Neighborhood Association and the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy are hosting a guided historic walking tour of the Italian Village.
Join architectural historian and “Legendary Locals of Jersey City” author John Gomez for a walk through the historic Italian Village in Downtown Jersey City. Tour-goers will visit culturally and architecturally significant sites throughout The Village, including Casa Colombo, Holy Rosary Church, The Embankment, Mary Benson Park, and White Eagle Hall.
Saturday-Sunday, October 8-9, 2016
Four separate Village tours are scheduled for Saturday, October 8th at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 9th at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. All tours begin at the newly-renovated Village Park, 384-388 First Street, between Brunswick and Colgate.
Free; light rain or shine. Sponsored by the Village Neighborhood Association and the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy.
For more information email: [email protected]
