CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicagoans and viewers nationwide can mark Italian American Heritage Month from home with ABC7 Chicago’s live broadcast of the 74th annual Columbus Day Parade on Monday, Oct. 12.
Presented by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, the parade dates back to 1952 and continues to rank among Chicago’s signature Italian American events. This year’s procession will move south along Dearborn Street, starting at Wacker Drive and ending at Van Buren Street. ABC7/WLS-TV Chicago, the official broadcast partner, will provide live coverage from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, on television as well as through ABC 7’s digital and streaming platforms.
The 2026 grand marshals include actor and television personality Tony Danza, Lou Gramm—Foreigner’s original lead singer—and Cristiana Dell’Anna, who stars in the film “Cabrini.” Michael Tadin is this year’s parade chairman, while Campania has been selected as the 2026 Region of Honor, highlighting the longstanding connection between Chicago’s Italian American community and Italy.
ABC 7 Eyewitness News anchors Ryan Chiaverini and Tanja Babich will host the broadcast alongside Pasquale Gianni, president of Avanti, the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans’ young professionals’ group. ABC7 Chicago meteorologist Greg Dutra will report from the parade route, speaking with dignitaries and those attending the celebration.
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Schools, government offices, libraries and the postal service will be closed Monday.
Watch coverage of last year’s parade here.
The video in the player above is from an earlier report.
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