What do you get the longest continuously running Italian Heritage Parade in the United States as it celebrates its 155th year? If you’re San Francisco’s Italian Heritage Parade, two celebrity grand marshals, pizzaiolo and restaurateur Tony Gemignani and Judge Claude Perasso, are just the ticket for aspaventoso(terrific) time. Gemignani is a world-class pizza acrobat, 13-time World Pizza Champion and purveyor of North Beach’s own Tony’s Pizza Napoletana. Perasso is the son of Italian immigrants and a retired San Francisco Superior Court judge.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. at the foot of Jefferson and Powell streets in Fisherman’s Wharf, proceed south through North Beach on Columbus Ave. and end in Washington Square in front of Sts. Peter and Paul Church. Viewing is possible along the entire route.
The parade began in 1868 in honor of Christopher Columbus, but in 1994 the celebration changed its name and focus to honor the accomplishments and culture of all Italians and Italian Americans. The event remains a beloved tradition for the neighborhood and visitors alike to revel in the marching bands, dancers, vintage cars, costumes and neighborhood celebrities and to sample traditional Italian cuisine throughout the North Beach community.
As Gemignani said of the event: “Come for the pizza and stay for the parade!”