CHICAGO — Chicago’s 74th annual Columbus Day Parade will begin at noon Monday on Dearborn Street, taking a temporary detour from its customary State Street route because of construction.
The day began with Mass at the newly renovated Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Arrigo Park.
The festivities will continue on Dearborn Street, where the parade tradition began in 1952 to honor the heritage and contributions of Chicago’s Italian American community.
This year’s grand marshals are actor and television personality Tony Danza, Foreigner’s original lead singer Lou Gramm and Cristiana Dell’Anna, star of the film “Cabrini.” Michael Tadin is serving as parade chairman, while Campania has been designated the 2026 Region of Honor, highlighting the connection between Chicago’s Italian American community and Italy.
Dell’Anna’s participation comes as organizers mark the 80th anniversary of Mother Cabrini’s canonization as the first American saint.
The parade also serves as a celebration of the Italian American community’s lasting role in Chicago’s history and growth.
Ron Onesti, president of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, said Italian immigrants and their descendants have been closely connected to the city’s development.
“Our parents and grandparents came here and helped build the ‘L’ tracks and rebuild the city after the Chicago Fire of 1871,” Onesti said. “We were also part of building the 1893 World’s Fair. Chicago’s history and development are deeply connected to Italian involvement.”
Organizers said the event is intended to welcome and celebrate the broader Chicago community, not only Italian Americans.
“Today is not about worrying whether you’re Italian or not—it’s a day to celebrate,” Onesti said, pointing to Italian food, cars, fashion and music as traditions enjoyed by people across the city.
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Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at Dearborn and Wacker.
The parade will travel south on Dearborn Street, ending at Van Buren Street.
ABC7/-TV Chicago, the parade’s official broadcast partner, will provide live coverage from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, along with coverage on ABC 7’s digital and streaming platforms.
ABC 7 Eyewitness News anchors Ryan Chiaverini and Tanja Babich will be joined by Pasquale Gianni, president of Avanti, the JCCIA’s young professionals’ group. ABC7 Chicago meteorologist Greg Dutra will report from the route and interview parade dignitaries and attendees.
Chicago Public Schools observes Monday as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Some people reject Columbus Day because of Christopher Columbus’ ties to the mistreatment of Indigenous people.
Mayor Brandon Johnson will not attend Monday’s parade, his office said.
Schools, government offices, libraries and the postal service will be closed Monday.
Watch the full parade:
