By Michael V. Cusenza
City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) on Sunday partnered with the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation to bring a Columbus Day celebration to Howard Beach.
Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola
Celebrants enjoyed traditional Italian food, music, games, and more at Sunday’s event.
From noon to 8 p.m., revelers enjoyed traditional Italian food, music, games, and more along Cross Bay Boulevard between 158th Avenue and 159th avenues.
“Howard Beach has always been a vibrant community, with many Italian-Americans contributing to the development and success of the area,” said Mario Faulisi, president of the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation. “I am proud to be able to bring this celebration back to the neighborhood once again, so we can remember our heritage and remember where we came from.”
Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola
Area residents flocked to Howard Beach to celebrate their Italian heritage.
“Today we remember not only the explorer Christopher Columbus, but also the struggle of Italian-Americans to find their place in the New World,” Ariola said. “We often forget that Italian immigrants were the victims of intense prejudice when they first arrived here, but with the first Columbus Day back in 1892, they made the first real steps towards acceptance into the wider fabric of American society. Today, let’s honor the struggle of the Italian immigrants in the United States, and remember the many amazing contributions of Italian-Americans towards this nation’s history!”
Forum Photo by Eddie Earl
Local leaders led revelers in the Columbus Day celebration.
