Belleville-Nutley Parade Will Celebrate Italian Heritage, Culture

BELLEVILLE-NUTLEY, NJ — A long-running celebration of Italian heritage and culture will return in Belleville and Nutley this weekend.

The 2026 Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day Parade will take place on Sunday, Oct. 11.

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This year's parade route will start at 1:30 p.m. at Belleville High School, continue along Joralemon Street, turn on Franklin Avenue, and end by the high school athletic field on Chestnut Street in Nutley.

The event is held to honor Italian heritage, recognize exceptional community leaders, and celebrate residents who strengthen both communities.

Every year, the Nutley-Belleville Columbus Day and Italian Heritage Month Parade Committee recognizes local residents whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting difference in the two communities.

The 2026 honorees are:

• Grand Marshal: Chief Phyllis L. Bindi
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Darren Rispoli
• Italian Heritage Award: Bob Cascella
• Nutley Italian Man of the Year: Robert Frannicola
• Nutley Italian Woman of the Year: Catherine J. Marucci
• Belleville Italian Man of the Year: Stephen Zirpoli
• Belleville Italian Woman of the Year: Georgette Cozzarelli
• Renaissance Woman of the Year: Nicole Ponti
• Italian Business Leaders: Renee Amadeo and Urszula Centanni
• Community Excellence Award: Robert G. Peters

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