Christopher Columbus is known as the father of our great nation. As an Italian-born explorer, he set sail for Asia in August 1492 aboard Nina, Santa Maria, and Pinta.

The Discovery of Americas

Columbus intended to take the western sea route to China, India, and other islands of Far East Asia. Accidently, however, on October 12, 1492, he landed in the Bahamas, setting the stage for exploring the Americas.

This was a continent that was previously unknown to the Europeans.

Columbus Day in the United States

Columbus Day was first celebrated in 1792 when an event was held at New York’s Columbian Order, also known as Tammany Hall, to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Columbus’ historic landing. Even today, the Italian and Catholic communities in various parts of the country take pride in Columbus’ achievements and organize grand religious ceremonies and parades annually.

President Benjamin Harrison proclaimed in 1892 to mark the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage with national festivities. He fondly wrote, “On that day let the people, so far as possible, cease from toil and devote themselves to such exercises as may best express honor to the discoverer and their appreciation of the great achievements of the four completed centuries of American life.”

In 1937, Columbus Day became a national holiday, as declared by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This was a result of intense lobbying by the Knights of Columbus.

Today, Columbus Day is celebrated every second Monday of October and is an essential federal government holiday.

Columbus Day Festivities in New York City

If you’re looking to revel at Columbus Day events on your day off (or instead weekend off) from work (lucky you), we have a curated list of Christopher Columbus-themed happenings.

Carmel Limousines will be at the forefront of facilitating comfy and safe rides for you on this special day. For this, download our mobile app and click away on the destinations you want to visit.

We are even offering airport transfers at attractive discounts if you want to meet your loved ones, now that the vaccinations for COVID are out and we are safer.

Here is a to-do list for Columbus Day.

Columbus Day Parade 

Head to New York City’s Fifth Ave from 44th St to 72nd St. where you’ll find more than 35,000 marchers and nearly 1 million frenzy spectators to rejoice in Christopher Columbus’ landing in the Americas. This colorful parade is intended to celebrate the heritage of the Italian-American community. We’re sure that you’ll enjoy the tarantella, a frenzied Italian folk dance, at the venue. Count on our fully-sanitized limos and professional chauffeurs to make the ride to or from Fifth Avenue not just safe but memorable.

This year marks the 69th Columbus Day Celebrations. Here’s a sneak peek into some strategic information from our resources (reliable) so that you plan your participation in the parade accordingly.

Parade Schedule

The New York Columbus Day parade has participants march down the broad roadway of Fifth Avenue, from the 44th to 72nd Streets. In addition, there will be red carpet performances at the 5th Avenue junctions on the 67th and 69th Streets.

The parade is preceded by a Columbus Day mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral and starts at around 11.30 am and usually ends at around 3 pm local time.

Best Viewing Points

The spaces between 67th and 68th streets are ideal viewing points for the parade, with grandstands erected to house the crowds. However, you’ll need to get there earlier if you want to secure a decent spot. Other spots are crowded and uncomfortable, which we don’t recommend.

NYC Hispanic Day Parade

Ring in the festivities early with the NY Hispanic Day Parade, a day before the annual Columbus Day Parade. You’ll find more than 10,000 participants along the New York City thoroughfare enjoying the live music, and luminant consumes. This parade is in its 48th year and will be held at the Fifth Ave from 44th to 68th Street. 

Want to secure a good spot at the earliest with your loved ones? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Book a limo on the Carmel Limousine NYC mobile app today! Also, don’t miss out on our special offers and discounts at your favorite restaurants through the app.

Other Fun Things to do on Columbus Day in NYC

If you’re not a parade person, we have some alternative engagement options for you.

All-Star Stand Up Comedy at Broadway Comedy Club

If you have a funny bone that is raring for some laughter, then this is where you should be on the Columbus Day weekend.

This theatre event showcases some of the best comic talents across the country from 6 pm onwards. From slapstick to dark comedy, you have a melange of comic events at 318 W. 53rd St., New York City. At Carmel Limos, we ensure you have a fun ride before you take up the high-end laughter challenge.

But, for a night filled with laughs and fun, we never compromise on the hygiene of our vehicles. Carmel Limos are thoroughly sanitized before and after customer service. Call us to know more.

We are offering attractive discounts when you help spread the word about Carmel Limos to your laughter gang!

Shop till you Drop at Columbus Circle

If barbecue by the pool is not your thing, then we recommend taking a ride with us to Columbus Circle, where shopping never dies down.

This sprawling shopping destination is the perfect stop for you and your girlfriends if you want to revamp your wardrobe or do some advance Halloween shopping. The Columbus Circle is an ideal spot to swap out past-season clothing for new threads that are in vogue. So keep your fashion statement and Columbus Day spirits up-to-date. Of course, you could also indulge in some Gelato or street grub while you’re at it.

Our Carmel Limo chauffeurs will wait for you while you’re spending away at the swankiest brand stores in Columbus Circle. As a result, we’ve slashed the hourly waiting charges for this particular holiday season. In addition, we’re happy to introduce the latest Carmel Perks- The Gift that keeps on Giving, including special deals on restaurants, Broadway shows, salons, museums, and more across New York City. 

Please show the Carmel app at the participating business venues to receive these benefits without vouchers, codes, or coupons! Please visit our Perks page for more details.

Have a Fun Time with Kids at these New York City Destinations

Central Park 

Central Park is famous for its lush and verdant surroundings and clear air. This is the best spot where you can take a walk with your kids or enjoy a great brunch. You could read a book on a quiet Monday afternoon or hit the slides at one of the city’s favorite Central Park playgrounds, or explore a new corner of the park.

Celebrate Native American Culture

The Native American Arts Council of New York City, Redhawk, organizes a community reclamation of Columbus Day where you can witness native celebrations in full swing.

Local chefs, musicians, performers, and artists will display the splendor of their indigenous culture on Long Island. You can expect multimedia performances from Bronx-based Intikana, and percussion from Kasibahagua Taino Cultural Society of Caribbean origin, and a lot more. 

We at Carmel Limos NYC will make your journey to Long Island safe and memorable. So book your ride today on our app to avoid delays that will make you miss any part of this splendid show.

Pumpkin Party Lovers – Head to Botanical Gardens

Get ready to welcome Halloween in true New Yorker style at the Botanical Gardens, where spooky pumpkins will welcome you starting at 10 am at the haunted pumpkin gardens.

This is a great place to indulge in some horror-themed fun with kids where pumpkin sculptures, snakes, scarecrows, and spiders are on display by artist and designer Michael Natiello. In addition, a scary puppet show for children will be clubbed with some lip-smacking treats given out by Whole Foods Market to the entire family. 

Don’t forget to book your tickets and your Carmel Limos cab on our mobile application for a stress-free ride to the venue.

Bryant Park Petanque Tournaments

Bryant Park is the hotspot of Petanque tournaments this Columbus Day weekend between 10 am and 6 pm. Petanque is a fun French ball game where each player throws metal balls closest to a smaller wooden ball called the cochonnet.

This game is mainly played in teams and staged in the gravel space near Sixth Avenue and 42nd Street corner around the Bryant Park lawn. Many families indulge in good times while strategizing their A-game to throw the ball as close to the cochonnet as possible.

The players have to aim for an opponent’s ball, hoping to drive him away from a favorable spot. A lunch can follow this fun game with your friends at Benjamin Steakhouse or the Whole Foods Market, a health foods haven, after a friendly game of Petanque.

You can also enjoy some grills and thrills for lunch at the Bryant Park Grill House. Carmel Limousines NYC will be at your service no matter what your Columbus Day weekend plans are.

Wrapping Up

With thoroughly sanitized cars and vaccinated drivers to take you around, we promise the best rides in the Big Apple for a memorable celebration.

Don’t forget to call your friends and book our luxury limos for the weekend in advance to avoid last-minute cancellations.

Please call our customer care team for any assistance. Happy Columbus Day Weekend!