Columbus Day Parade Returns to North End on Sunday; Giangregorio Brothers Honored

The North End Columbus Day Celebration Committee is returning to the North End for the 2019 parade on Sunday, October 13, and will be hosting an evening of celebration and commemoration the preceding Friday, October 11, at Ristorante Filippo.

The reception will feature music, prizes, raffle items, refreshments and cocktails.Tickets are limited. They are $55 per person and may be purchased by contacting Louis at 617-803-1247 or on the 2019 North End Columbus Day Reception Eventbrite page.

This year’s honored guests and recipients of the Committee’s Michael A. Nazzaro Community Service Award are Fred & Joseph “Pepi” Giangregorio. The Committee is recognizing Freddie & Pepi for that same commitment and dedication to our neighborhood, our city, and the Italian American community of Massachusetts. They were owners of the Green Cross Pharmacy for decades and served on many local boards and institutions.

“Fred & Pepi were not only small business owners, but beloved friends and confidants to so many of us in this community. We are happy to honor these two brothers with Mike’s Award to say thank you for their years of commitment!” – Committee Chairman Louis Strazzullo.

Mike Nazzaro, born and raised in the North End, was a small business owner and served as our State Representative. During his tenure, Mike protected the neighborhood from the era’s urban development push and helped make the neighborhood the vibrant community it is. 

The Bi-Annual Columbus Day Parade will take place on Sunday October 13, beginning at City Hall Plaza at 1:00 p.m. The parade will make its way through downtown Boston and the waterfront, the Christopher Columbus Park and throughout the North End. The parade will include Boston Police and Fire honor guard, military personnel and vehicles, marching bands, drum & bugle corps, antique cars, North End feast floats, neighborhood groups, flag throwers from Sulmona Italy, floats and thousands of other participants. Best viewing is on Hanover and Endicott Streets in the North End.

“The parade is a great opportunity to cheer on the brave men and women who serve and protect us here at home and abroad,” said Parade Coordinator John Pregmon, “It is a wonderful day of neighborhood celebration, Italian American heritage, and fun for the whole family.”