NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of people are marching along Fifth Avenue on Sunday for the annual Israel Day Parade, celebrating Israel’s 78th anniversary under the theme, “Proud Americans, Proud Zionists.”

The parade will run from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., traveling from East 62nd Street to East 74th Street. Organizers expect floats, marching bands and community groups to participate.

Extensive street closures and heightened security are in place across Midtown and the Upper East Side. Viewing areas will be available along the route on a first-come, first-served basis.

The event comes as New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani is expected to become the first New York City mayor since the parade began in 1964 to skip the event.