Columbus Day Parade & Festa On The Hill

From Columbus Day Parade & Festa On The Hill Website:

The first Columbus Day Parade Committee organized on November 11, 1866 and was incorporated on December 6, 1866 it is composed of many St. Louis Italian-American Organizations, who joined together to ensure that there will always be a Columbus Day Parade.

The first parade was organized by the Fratellanza Society in 1867 through the effort of an Italian settlement in downtown St Louis. The parade route started downtown and terminated at the statue of Christopher Columbus (donated by Henry Shaw) in Tower Park. For many years it has been held on "The Hill".

Though the parade is always the highlight of the Columbus Day celebration, many Italian Organizations take this opportunity to promote the philosophy and culture of their heritage by participating in a Festa after the parade. The Festa is traditionally held in Berra Park.