Thanksgiving is one of the most important holidays in North America, almost as well-loved as Christmas! For hundreds of years, it’s been an opportunity to gather with family and friends and reflect on the blessings of the past year. But did you know it’s also become popular in Latin America? Any excuse to celebrate!
Here’s the down-low on Thanksgiving from its beginnings to today.
How It Started
In September of 1620, a small ship called the Mayflower left Plymouth, England for the “New World.” Colonists were seeking a new life of freedom far from their home country. More than 2 months later, the ship landed on North American shores, and the passengers named their new village after the one they’d left behind, establishing Plymouth, Massachusetts. They found a land much different than the one they were used to, unable to prosper without adaptation.
But they weren’t the only ones around. Nearby was the native tribe of Wampanoag, who’d already been living on those shores for generations. They knew the geography, the resources, the animals, the agriculture, and the way to survive and thrive. The story goes that these natives taught the new settlers how to cultivate corn and other products and introduced them to the natural resources of the area.
In England, it was common to have days of thanksgiving and prayer, sharing gratefulness to God for specific blessings or victories. After the first successful corn harvest, the settlers did just that! They shared a harvest festival and an abundant feast among themselves and with a large group of Wampanoag Indians. Though fighting ensued between settlers and natives within 50 years, the event represents a time of peace, togetherness, and community.
When is Thanksgiving Day celebrated?
This tradition continued to be played out from time to time, on different occasions, and for distinct reasons for many years. It became standard in 1863 when president Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November the annual national holiday of Thanksgiving Day.
What is the meaning of Thanksgiving Day?
The celebration of this day of Christian origin is a festivity typical of the United States and Canada in which thanks were given for the harvest, whose tradition has been maintained until today. It focuses on giving thanks to God for all the blessings received during the year, gathering family and friends to share a feast, whose typical dish is roast turkey or baked turkey.
Thanksgiving Dinner
What is usually served on American Thanksgiving Tables?
Thanksgiving is a reasonably traditional celebration that also extends to the menu. Although there may be variations, a series of typical dishes can be found in most American homes.
Turkey
This is the star dish. The traditional way to prepare it is to roast and serve it whole, to be carved once cooked. The turkey carries another tradition: some people break the so-called wishbone, a Y-shaped bone, hoping their wishes come true.
Stuffing
This recipe has bread, butter, celery, onion, broth, and herbs.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are another classic at the Thanksgiving dinner table. They are usually made with boiled potatoes, butter, garlic, milk, cream cheese, and salt.
Gravy
This is a sauce made from the juices of cooking meats and vegetables.
Green Bean Casserole
Another essential on the Thanksgiving table. This recipe includes green beans, mushroom soup, cheese, fried onions, and other optional ingredients.
Cranberry Sauce
A sweet and tart cranberry sauce completes the Thanksgiving culinary experience, adding a vibrant touch to the meal.
Modern Traditions
- Football
- Black Friday
- Board Games
- 5k running races
- Putting up the Christmas tree the next day
The Best Thanksgiving Movies
- Portrait of April, by Peter Hedges (2003)
- A possible dream, by John Lee Hancock (2009)
- Make me laugh (Funny People), by Jud Appatow (2009)
- Barry Sonnefeld’s The Addams Family: The tradition continues (1993)
- Jimmy Hayward’s Free Birds (2013)
- What’s Cooking, by Gurinder Chadha (2004)
Thanksgiving in Latin America
Among Hispanic communities, family togetherness and cuisine are the most predominant cultural values. For those reasons, the concept of Thanksgiving is, of course, attractive to the locals of Latin America!
Gratefulness is Good for You
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