New York City’s Columbus Day Parade features a modern-day explorer.

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin is among the participants in the parade, which stepped off at midday Monday in Manhattan.

The 65th annual parade turned Fifth Avenue into a sea of red, white and green as thousands of Italian Americans celebrated their heritage. A Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral preceded the parade.

In addition to the marchers, floats and politicians, the festivities included folk dancers, musicians and Maserati cars from the 1920s.