The 73rd annual Columbus Day Parade in the US marched up Fifth Avenue in New York on Monday. More than one million spectators are expected for the event, which also includes performances on a bandstand around 67th Street. /Xinhua Photo

The parade comes amid renewed calls for the removal of the Christopher Columbus statue at Columbus Circle, as part of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s initiative to review and potentially remove “symbols of hate” on city property. /Xinhua Photo

While Columbus is credited with encouraging European exploration in the Americas, many now see his exploits in the Caribbean and beyond as devastating to the indigenous people there. /Xinhua Photo