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San Francisco, CA – September 15th, 2025 – The San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade Committee is thrilled to announce the return of the parade to the streets of San Francisco on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Leading the way as this year’s Grand Marshal is none other than Joe Mantegna, the Emmy-winning, Tony-nominated actor and proud Italian-American icon.
Now in its 157th year, the Italian Heritage Parade is the longest continuously running Italian-American parade in the United States, drawing tens of thousands of spectators to celebrate Italian culture, tradition, and community in the heart of North Beach. Each year, the parade honors individuals who embody the spirit and values of the Italian-American experience, and few exemplify that more than Joe Mantegna.
Mantegna is best known for his standout roles in Criminal Minds, The Godfather Part III, House of Games, and as the voice of Fat Tony on The Simpsons. Beyond his career on screen and stage, Mantegna is widely admired for his heartfelt dedication to preserving and promoting the Italian-American story. His passion for heritage, family, and community makes him a perfect fit for this year’s celebration.
“We are beyond thrilled to have Joe Mantegna as our 2025 Grand Marshal,” said Paul Tonelli, President of the San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade Committee. “Joe has long been a passionate voice for Italian-American culture, and his remarkable career, advocacy work, and deep-rooted pride in his heritage perfectly reflect what this parade is all about. His presence brings a sense of pride and unity to our community that will make this year’s event truly unforgettable.”
“Being Grand Marshal of the San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade is a true honor, one that deeply resonates with my heart and my family’s story,” said Joe Mantegna. “This parade celebrates not just where we came from, but where we’re going – the bright future that Italian-Americans continue to build in this country. It’s about ‘famiglia’ in the truest sense; not just family by blood, but the broader community that carries our traditions forward while embracing tomorrow’s possibilities. I’m proud to help write the next chapter of that story.”
The parade will kick off at 12:30 p.m. at the foot of Jefferson and Powell Streets in Fisherman’s Wharf, making its way through the heart of North Beach along Columbus Avenue, and concluding in historic Washington Square, in front of Saints Peter and Paul Church. Along the route, spectators can enjoy live Italian music, performances, and appearances by local and national Italian-American organizations.
Whether you’re Italian by blood or Italian at heart, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss!
For details about the 2025 San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade, please visit: https://sfitalianheritage.org/
About the San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade
The San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade is the longest continuously running Italian Heritage Parade in the United States and celebrates the accomplishments and culture of all Italian-Americans. The inaugural parade took place in 1868 in San Francisco’s downtown, featuring the bands and marching units of Italian fraternal organizations. Throughout the years, it has remained a sign of the vitality of the Italian communities in the Bay Area. It welcomes hundreds of diverse marching groups and tens of thousands of attendees.