New York City’s annual Columbus Day Parade, one of the city’s most vibrant fall traditions, was canceled for 2025 as a powerful Nor’easter storm battered the region with torrential rain and winds exceeding 60 miles per hour.
The announcement came early Monday morning after city officials declared a state of emergency across New York, Long Island, and parts of Westchester County, citing public safety concerns and potential flooding risks. The decision, while disappointing for thousands of participants and spectators, was made to prevent accidents and infrastructure damage during the severe weather conditions.
The Nor’easter brought relentless downpours, turning streets into rivers and halting parts of the city’s transportation system. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) reported delays and partial suspensions on several subway lines due to water accumulation, while emergency crews worked around the clock to clear blocked drains and manage power outages.
Mayor Eric Adams described the decision as “difficult but necessary,” emphasizing that the safety of residents and visitors remains the top priority. “New York is resilient—we’ll celebrate our traditions again when it’s safe to do so,” he said in a statement.
The Columbus Day Parade, organized by the Columbus Citizens Foundation, typically draws tens of thousands of marchers along Fifth Avenue, celebrating Italian-American heritage and cultural pride. This marks one of the few cancellations in the parade’s 80-year history, following similar disruptions only during major crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Local businesses, especially restaurants and shops around Midtown Manhattan, expressed disappointment, noting the loss of a major tourism and economic boost. However, organizers assured that plans are underway to hold a symbolic cultural event once the weather stabilizes.
As the Nor’easter continues to sweep through the Northeast, New York officials are urging residents to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow safety updates from emergency management authorities.
