The Columbus Day Parade was born on October 12, 1929, when a NYC businessman and Italian immigrant, Generoso Pope, led a parade from East Harlem down to Columbus Circle. The parade commemorated Christopher Columbus's explorations and the achievements and contributions of Italian-Americans to the landscape of New York and the United States. The parade was followed by a fund raising dinner to benefit immigrants creating a new life for themselves in NYC. The parade has become the world's largest celebration of Italian-American culture ever since. The parade is held each October on Columbus Day, which is a federal holiday in the U.S. Of many celebrations that mark the discovery of America, the parade in NYC is the biggest and, perhaps most popular. Each year political leaders along with Broadway performers, high school bands, virtuosi professional groups from the United States and Italy, folkloric dancers and Italian delegations from various regions come together and contribute to the parade with colorful costumes, music and floats marching along Fifth Avenue. The event is broadcasted live by WNBC and Italian channel Rai International. The parade begins at noon and embarks from 44th Street north to conclude at 79th Street along Fifth Avenue.