Why was NYC Columbus Day parade cancelled?

New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on Sunday, October 12, due to an approaching nor’easter, resulting in the cancellation of the annual Columbus Day parade in New York City. Originally set for October 13, the parade will not be rescheduled and is expected to return in 2026, according to organizers.

The state of emergency covers New York City boroughs as well as Suffolk, Westchester, and Nassau counties. Neighboring New Jersey has also issued a similar emergency declaration. The Governor’s office cited extreme weather threats including a coastal flood warning, high winds, and heavy rainfall affecting the region. Areas such as the South Shore of Long Island and Jamaica Bay remain particularly vulnerable to flooding.

On X, Governor Hochul wrote, “Due to the ongoing nor’easter, I’m declaring a State of Emergency for NYC, Long Island, & Westchester. We’re ready to assist local partners as damaging winds & heavy rain move in, with the potential for flooding & power outages. Stay vigilant & take steps now to prepare.”

Nor’easters are intense storms that impact the East Coast of North America, forming near the coastlines of New Jersey and Georgia. They bring heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, and sometimes snow, causing significant disruption to affected areas.

Following the declaration, the Columbus Citizens Foundation—the event’s organizing body—announced the cancellation of the 81st Annual Columbus Day Parade in a statement shared with Fox 5 NY. The organization cited Governor Hochul’s emergency order and emphasized public safety concerns due to “dangerous weather conditions brought on by the Nor’easter, including high winds, heavy rain and flooding in surrounding areas.”

The statement confirmed the parade would not be rescheduled this year but expressed optimism about the event’s return in 2026: “While we cannot reschedule this year’s parade, we look forward to seeing everyone at our 82nd annual parade in 2026.”

The Columbus Day Parade has long been a significant celebration of Italian American culture in New York City. According to the Columbus Citizens Foundation, the event is a vibrant tribute to Italian American heritage, featuring marching bands, floats, and the waving of tricolor flags. It honors the diversity and unity of the Italian American community and their important role in the history and foundation of America.

Originally established as a one-time national celebration in 1892, the parade commemorated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the Americas. It was created in part to uplift Italian American pride following a period of heightened tensions, including the 1891 lynchings of 11 Italian American men, as reported by The New York Post.