Thousands of people are lining Fifth Avenue for the city's annual Columbus Day parade.
Monday's parade is organized by the Columbus Citizens Foundation. It's billed as the world's largest celebration of Italian-American heritage and culture.
It also is a major political showcase less than a month before Election Day.
The marchers include Gov. Cuomo, a Democrat, and his Republican rival, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. Cuomo is seeking re-election and has a commanding lead in the polls.
They also include Mayor de Blasio, who frequently touts his Italian heritage.
The festivities feature scores of matching bands and Italian civic groups. The first parade was held in Manhattan in 1929.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
