176. Columbus Day – That Boy from Puccini Square…
The Italians of America chose me to represent Italy on the 59th Columbus Day – the celebrations which mark the occasion of the anniversary of the discovery of America by a famous Italian, Christopher Columbus.
I was very proud to be recognized in this way and to represent Italy at this event!
The president of “Italians in America,” explained how the day would unfold. I will be the Grand Marshal with the band across my chest and the conductor of the big parade to take place on Fifth Avenue.
The big day begins with a solemn Mass celebrated by the Bishop of New York in the Cathedral of Saint Peter on Fifth Avenue. Eva and my children are close to me and there is so much emotion in all of us. I feel really important, the large band with the inscription Grand Marshal makes me very proud!
The parade starts … my car, a vintage Ferrari convertible opens the parade… I’m standing and I want Robin, the youngest of my children, next to me. Along the way there is a great crowd of Italians who applaud from behind the barricades that mark the parade route. I reach to greet all and reciprocate their enthusiasm… they call my name… Roberto… Roberto… I really do not know which way to turn… Robin has fun and I enjoy living this feeling with him.
Columbus Day Celebrations
Once in front of the cathedral my car stops and the Cardinal walks down the steps, approaching us and giving us the blessing.
We resume the parade. On arrival there is a big musical band along with New York Mayor Bloomberg and Hillary Clinton who greet me with all the honors.
A great day… great emotions… wow… that kid from Puccini Square in Florence had become Grand Marshal in New York! Who could ever have imagined such a thing…
Un bacino…
I LOVE YOU
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Roberto & Eva happy Colombus Day You Very Beautiful & Sweet Xoxoxo love You ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Grande Cavalli!!
Non poteva essere scelto un gran marshal migliore…..!!
Colui che rappresenta l’italia in america…..numero uno!
Deve essere stata un’emozione veramente grande, tipo vincere uno scudetto a Firenze….!! (….ce la farò mai a vedere la Viola vincerne uno…? mah…..!!)
Complimenti!!
Un Abbraccio.
Francesco.
Congratulations, Mr.Cavalli!
hmm… vorrei vedere meglio quella maglietta di Eva… cosa dice? Love Cavalli? vorrei avere una maglietta che dice qualcosa tipo “Love Italia for Roberto Cavalli”:)))))))
I am very happy to see you are well, Mr. Cavalli. I remember how thrilled I was when I participated on a Colombus Day parade as an adolescent. I imagine how you must have felt as a Grand Marshall. New Yorkers of Italian and Hispanic origin ( we both feel the pride of having had Colombus discover America for the Spanish Kingdom of Ferdinand and Isabella). Eventhough Saint Patrick Cathedral is an imitation I like it very much. When I walk along Fifth Avenue and 50th Street, seeing that cathedral reminds me of Europe, among all the impressing skycrapers that surround it. The views from The Rockefeller Building are awesome.
I am sure your family enjoyed that special day in your life almost as much as you did. Robin was very little then, so tha must have taken place about fifteen years ago.
I meant to say “skyscraper”, of course.http://elpais.com/
I do not know how did “El País ” end up next to my reply. Well, that is part of the “mystery” of technology, I guess.
I just saw you were Grand Marshall in 2003. It couldn’t have been fifteen years ago, since Michael Bloomberg got into office in 2002. Thank you for sharing the photos and video of that magical day. It really touches my heart, since New York City is part of my life and Saint Patrick’s Dsy and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral are part of my unforgettable and fascinating past.
Si é ripreso Sign. Roberto
<3
ci ha fatto preoccupare.
Sono ricordi stupendi,Complimenti.
Era bello quando si era fieri di essere ITALIANI…
del nostro MADE IN ITALY…
oggi mi domando per cosa essere fieri…
C’é tanta rabbia…
Grazie a Uomini come lei Sign. Roberto..non ho ancora perso la speranza.
Con Affetto Marí