They carried banners and flags, tossed pizza, marched with Roman Soldiers, sang Italian songs and blew kisses to the crowd of over 30,000 spectators.
The Italian entry in the 56th Annual Swallow’s Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano boasted over 100 proud Italian Americans. James Bianchi played his accordion and was accompanied by his tambourine tapping Dan Ochopinto.
The horse drawn trolley carried another couple dozen participants waving their Italian flags along the parade route. The entire Italian entry stretched almost two blocks and wowed the crowd.
They came from near and far to show their Italian pride. Fifteen members of the Abruzzesi & Molisani Club came from Los Angeles, Francesca and Salvatore Cacciato flew out from New Jersey to visit family specifically timed so that they could be in the parade as did Theresa Oddo from Chicago.
Some were dressed in traditional clothing from their region while others draped themselves in red, white and green. It was the perfect day to celebrate being Italian.
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