BY Adal Hussain, Chief Editor 44St and 5th Ave NYC Oct 9th 2023
The 79th Annual Columbus Day Parade returns to Fifth Avenue in New York City on Monday, October 9, 2023.
On Friday President of the Columbus Heritage Coalition, Angelo Vivolo, was joined by representatives from New York City’s largest Italian-American organizations for a brief preview of the event.
Each year, several hundred thousand people are joined by millions of viewers around the world to enjoy this display of Italian-American tradition.
The parade begins on Fifth Avenue at 44th Street and continues north along Fifth Avenue to 72nd Street.
This year’s Grand Marshal is Beth Paretta, CEO and Team Principal of Paretta Autosport. Paretta is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate who has demonstrated an ongoing dedication to supporting young women through educational initiatives.
Fellow honorees will be long-standing CCF Member Don DeCarlo, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Retired Justice Janet DiFiore, and Father Zach Presutti, founder of Thrive for Life, an organization devoted to assisting behind and beyond prison walls.
On Oct. 9, millions will gather in Manhattan to celebrate Italian-American heritage and culture. The event will take from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The day of the parade begins with a Mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, presided by Cardinal Dolan.
This year’s parade is expected to bring out over 1 million spectators and 35,000 participants. Those who attend the parade will see several performances, floats, marching bands and so much more.
The main and most significant event in NYC’s Columbus Day celebrations is definitely the huge colorful parade that is held along the 5th Avenue.
About 100 groups of 35,000 artists perform in various fields and styles, take part in the parade.
The music that is played by various bands, various performances over floats attract about million spectators while many more millions watch the colorful procession on the television.
The Parade marches up Fifth Avenue from 44th to 72nd Street with red carpet performances on Fifth Avenue between 67th and 69th Streets.
Columbus Day in New York is an annual celebration that takes place in October. A large parade in honor of Christopher Columbus floats down Fifth Avenue and gathers mostly Italian Americans embracing their own roots.
In New York City, the holiday is celebrated both as Italian American Heritage Day and as Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Since 1929, a parade has been held in New York with more than 35,000 participants and more than 1 million spectators with bands and floats. The parade starts from Fifth Avenue and 44th Street and continues along Fifth Avenue to 79th Street. The parade starts around 11:30 am in the morning and ends around 3:00 pm.
The Columbus Citizens Foundation’s most visible philanthropic focus is scholarships for deserving students who may not have the opportunity to realize their dreams of success.
To date, the Foundation has awarded over $36 million in scholarship funding to deserving students since the program’s inception.
See More about Columbus day parade 2023, in our World Liberty TV, Political Blogs by clicking here.
Chef Carlos Barrera, originally from the State of Merida Yucatan, Proud Yucatecan. Raised the first part of his life in Yucatan and developed in the State of Quintana Roo, in the area of Puerto Morelos in his youth teenagers’ years. Moved at the age of 18 to United States, stayed in Philadelphia, Washington DC, New York.
Learned how to cook and eat local’s dishes, as he was doing other things. He didn´t really click at that age and time all the passion for food and was just natural cook.
Carlos was very big on the environment helping support the ecology in preservation of sea life as turtles from the State of Yucatán.
When Cancun was growing and there were no more possible activities to keep doing that he decided to move and open a new page in his life, and moved to California looking for a new opportunity in his young life., Carlos was very lucky he got a job offer from Chef Jose Chavez, Called Sabor in the area of Santa Monica. Chef Chavez opened and taught Carlos teaching his first dishes in Cajun south Latin flavor cuisine.
After that Carlos worked for a Food Factory, that provided food, for Trader Joe Workers in the area. Carlos was a fast learner and was introduced to learn about food catering as well as a Bartender, learning to make all kinds of drinks. Carlos also Worked in Beverly Hills, Bell Air Areas, worked in Harold & AMP a Belles Restaurant a Cajun Restaurant.
Carlos had learned his Cooking, Catering and bartending skills, well and had dreams of working as a chef in Las Vegas. So he got a job in Cesar’s palace and worked also in the Venetian, as well as working under Executive Chef Luciano Pellegrini, Piero Selvaggio’s of Valentino’s Restaurant, next door to Chef Emeril Lagasse, Warner’s Brother Kitchen at the Venetian casino, Zeffirino Italian Restaurant, and other important places Carlos learned his Culinary skills.
Carlos was well on his way living his American Dream, he was very happy with his progress and being an elite executive chef, learning from of the best chef’s in the world. He also got married to Nora Espinoza.
All his life changed 360 Degree’s when he got a call from his family member that his father was on his death bed and wanted to see Carlos. In 2002, packed his bags and headed back to Merida Yucatan the land where he was born. after the death of his Mr. Father, Maestro Carlos Barrera the person that motive him to reach his goals cooking, and he wanted to show and honor his memory, showing and sharing his experience with his family and friends, combining all the recipes and doing some new dishes. To honor his father’s legacy.
So after Carlo’s father passed away he decided to stay in Mexico open his first Restaurant call SeaFari and he had a great successful place where others like Big Locals chefs like Jhon Grey, David Laos and many others who tasted his fresh Lobster tacos, Seafood platers and Mexican Carnitas because Carlos had a big impact in the Village with his way of cooking with simple small kitchen and very creative plates. People were coming back on a regular basis and introducing their friends and family members who too were coming and eating his food.
Carlos with his wife Chef Nora Espinoza, had 3 children, Little Carlos, Mahatma and Indira. Chef Nora grew up in a family of cooks, with a father who was a Cuban chef originally from Cuidad Cien Fuegos, Cuba, and a mother from Veracruz Mexico, who learned ancient Mexican recipes from her grandmothers and taught Nora since she was a child the love of cooking and to do everything from scratch the artisan way, 2 great young Chefs were working together at the same time and decide do something bigger, they begin working hard to get a good position and enter the Yachts community in Cancun, services for catering and private luxury homes, work for celebrities and politician form Mexico, Ex Mexican President and Governors, as also some businessmen of large old Mexican families that visit Cancun.
Chef Carlos and Nora are known as Los Chefs as the name of the new and old Restaurants, begin a new chapter in Cancun Hotel zone, as part of a vacation Club from USA, where he currently works together with his wife Chef Nora and one of the Kids, Mahatma Espinoza in a great quiet place at the end of Pok Ta Pok Av, by the lagoon with the best view of the lagoon side hotel zone.
So when I stayed in Cancun and met Carlos, he prepared Maya Whole Fish dish with rice and salad, with Virgin Mojito’s and Pina Colada’s. It was a wonderful dish, I never personally tasted fish so good and well prepared.
So asked Chef Carlos what’s next for him he told me Los Chefs Carlos and Nora are working on few cookbooks. First book to explain in a simple way how to cook some of our dishes, so you can enjoy with family and friends.
So the next book is very interesting which I sat down with Carlos, for a few hours’ brain storming to see how this next project can be bought to life. I personally loved Carlos’s idea and will help him to make this project a super success. Is to rescue many of the old recipes from the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.
Once these recipes have been saved, they will be added to to Carlo’s Cook Book, for people to try and cook. The next plan is to sell the book and share some of the proceeds with many of the family’s that are struggling and need help. Also some of the book proceeds will be given to environmental causes and natural wild life reserves in the Yucatan Mexico.
So I believe in Carlos, I believe he is a warrior, like myself never gives up and will do everything to make, this project a success, as we will support him as much as possible, with our Humanitarians of the World Inc, org ( www.hotwinc.org ) based here in New York City.
To learn more about Carlos Barrera and Nora Espinoza Los Chefs, to attend their restaurant next time you are in Cancun or to purchase his Cook Book and help or support in some way. Click here for more information.
Our next Stop on our Cancun Mexico travel was to Isla Mujures, Isla Mujeres is a beautiful, peaceful paradise just across the Bahia de Mujeres (Bay of Women) from Cancun, Mexico. Isla Mujeres is more laid-back and tranquil than Cancun, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do, it just means you can do nothing at all or fill your day with water sports, shopping, exploring and making new friends
Known for beautiful white sand beaches, calm crystal clear turquoise waters and the friendliest locals in the Mexican Caribbean. Isla’s diversity, from the fisherman, artists and musicians to divers, chefs and ex-pats, make up a community unlike any other.
With the beauty of the Caribbean, the heritage of the Mayans, and the easygoing charm of the people, Isla Mujeres has become a haven for people from all over the world.
There were so many things to see at the Isla Mujures, we had the pleasure of viewing the following sites during our all day trip.
Isla’s Beaches ~ Playa Norte:Playa Norte (North Beach) is considered one of the best beaches in all of Mexico. The soft white sand, palm trees and water so blue the sky looks pale, make it the perfect place to relax and unwind from the rigors of life.
Hacienda Mundaca: Built by the famous pirate Fermin Mundaca, the Hacienda includes ruins, winding paths through the shady grounds and a solar clock garden dedicated to La Triguena.
Zocolo is located at the center. Not much happens during the day but if you decide to extend your visit through the evening, you’ll often see dances, events and celebrations going on. Isla families and tourists alike enjoy their evenings at the Plaza eating tacos and pastries from the vendors, joining a pick-up basketball game, celebrating Mass at the church and watching the world go by.
The Malecons are seaside promenades, lined with places sit, stroll, palm trees and sculptures. Vendors sell their wares and sometimes there are musicians or other entertainment.
Goddess Ixchel (Guerrero & Abasolo) in Mayan times, Isla was a sanctuary dedicated to Ixchel.
Punta Sur is located at the southern tip of Isla Mujeres, roughly 60 feet above sea level, where the rising sun first touches Mexican soil. Its rocky cliffs, the waves crashing on the shore and the multitude of blues of the Caribbean Sea make up some of the most spectacular scenery on the island.
This is the highest elevation in the Yucatan and was home to an ancient temple honoring the Mayan Goddess Ixchel, rebuilt after it was partially destroyed in Hurricane Gilbert. Because it was built on high ground, archaeologists believe the temple was also used as a lighthouse to guide trade boats coming from Cozumel, Tulum and Xaman-ha (Playa del Carmen).
For such a small island Isla Mujeres is a foodie’s paradise! There is something for everyone – American, Mediterranean, Italian, French, Asian and of course Mexican and the freshest seafood you can get. Dishes like ceviche, grilled shrimp and lobster and an ancient Mayan dish called Tik’n Xic – a whole fish marinated in achiote, a mild chilli red sauce, and then grilled over an open fire.
Visitors have said that they come back to Isla every year not just for the beautiful beaches and friendly people but for the food!
Dolphin Discovery: An experience of a lifetime! Swimming with the dolphins is everything you have imagined and more. Everybody will delight in this hands-on experience, listening to the dolphins sing, watching them “tail walk”, and even hugging and kissing these people-loving creatures.
We also booked a Golf Cart US $60.00 for 2 hours, you can drive from one end to the other of the Island and make stops, to buy food drinks, see iconic sites, as mentioned above take pictures and do much more.
The Isla Mujeres was a great day tour, definitely worth going if you like the beaches, history, food and many more activities, the island has to offer.
See more of our Cancun Mexico , Tour in our World Liberty TV, Travel and Tourism Channels, Blogs, Photo-Galleries. By clicking here.
Phyllis Rein is excited to present her company: Footwear Show New York Expo, LLC (FSNYE). This is the culmination of Phyllis’ greater than 30 years of experience in the fashion industry.
Phyllis began her career as a sales manager at the retail chain CIGNAL, a division of Merry-Go-Round Enterprises at their upscale Great Neck, New York location.
From there she was hired as an Associate Buyer for The Fur Vault personally picked by Mr. Fred Schwartz (“Fred the Furrier”). Her sales at its Westbury, New York store exceeded all store branches earning her the title of “Million Dollar Baby”.
In 1989, Phyllis transitioned to the Fashion Footwear Industry when Mr. Dick Jacobson, its President & CEO offered her a position at the Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY). She was hired as an Account Executive and swiftly moved up the ranks and promoted to Executive Vice President by the Board of Directors.
Phyllis not only spearheaded the association’s showcases, she was intimately involved in its philanthropic endeavors. In 2014 she was awarded the prestigious Recognition of Outstanding Commitment and Dedication Award by FFANY and the Fashion Footwear Industry.
Some of the Shoe brands that exhibited included: Alegria Shoes • ALL BLACK • ALL BLACK Handbags • ALL BLACK Italia • Amalfi by Rangoni • Angel Footwear • Angelsoft Shoes • ASH • AZALEA WANG • Beautiisoles by Robyn Shreiber • Bertier Shoes • Blackstone Shoes • Brit Footwear • Calzaturificio Dolcast srl • Calzaturificio • Sab Shoes srl • Camper • Calzaturificio Victor srl • Chie Mihara • Cougar Shoes • Edition Bags & Wallets • Evox • Freedom of Movement • Gabor • Grace Belts & Wallets • Haflinger • Handmade Leather Ties by WEEF • Handstitched Bags by Seventyfour • Highline United LLC • Hopewell Footwear • In-Sport Fashions • IMBOX Protection • Italian Shoemakers • Jean Laurant • Jodam Manufacturers • Johnston & Murphy • Johnston & Murphy Collection • Johnston & Murphy Women’s • Jon Josef • Katy Perry Footwear • Kingston • L37 Handmade Shoes • Lamo • Lamo Sheepskin • Loft37 Sp. z o.o. • Makar “Heels Reimagined” • Marie Vigue Official • Minnetonka Moccasin • Mono Footwear • NDSS Trading • Nikkita Footwear • Nottingheels • NTH Global SDN BHD • Oneofeach • Oomphies • Pink Flamingo • Rangoni America • ROK N ROLL by Alegria • S2 Showroom NYC • Saint&Summer • Sanctuary • Seven 7 Footwear • Seventyfour Leather • Storm by Cougar • SAFLEC • Studio Mihara • Teplov Shoes • Terhi Pölkki • Terhi Pölkki Mens • Think! • Valentina Rangoni • Veldskoen Shoes • VOIT 1922 • VOIT USA • WEEF| Handmade Leather Ties • Zambezi Grace.
See exclusive interviews with the movers and shakers of the shoe industry, who were debuting there never seen shoes at Footwear Show New York Expo (FSNYE). In our World Liberty TV, Product Review Channels and blogs by clicking here.
