Italian-American pride on full display on Fifth Avenue for Columbus Day Parade

EAST SIDE, Manhattan -- Fifth Avenue was transformed during the Columbus Day Parade, the world's largest celebration of Italian-American culture.

Eyewitness News aired the Columbus Day Parade live with hosts Maria Bartiromo, Joe Piscopo and anchors Ken Rosato and Diana Rocco.

Chef and host of ABC's "The Chew" Mario Batali and Lands' End CEO Federica Marchionni joined LaPenta as honorees.

The parade included 35,000 marchers and more than 100 groups, including bands, floats and contingents.

Watch it here on abc7NY:

Part 1 of the 72nd Columbus Day Parade in New York City.

Part 2 of the 72nd Columbus Day Parade in New York City.

Part 3 of the 72nd Columbus Day Parade in New York City.

Part 4 of the 72nd Columbus Day Parade in New York City.

Part 5 of the 72nd Columbus Day Parade in New York City.

Part 6 of the 72nd Columbus Day Parade in New York City.

Part 7 of the 72nd Columbus Day Parade in New York City.

Part 8 of the 72nd Columbus Day Parade in New York City.

Part 9 of the 72nd Columbus Day Parade in New York City.

Part 10 of the 72nd Columbus Day Parade in New York City.

Part 11 of the 72nd Columbus Day Parade in New York City.

Part 12 of the 72nd Columbus Day Parade in New York City.

Part 13 of the 72nd Columbus Day Parade in New York City.

The Parade marches up Fifth Avenue from 44th to 72nd Street with red carpet performances on Fifth Avenue between 67th and 69th Streets. Nearly one million spectators were expected.

The parade celebrates the spirit of exploration and courage that inspired Christopher Columbus's 1492 expedition and the important contributions Italian-Americans have made to the United States.