Thanksgiving Around The World: Where? When? What Are They Eating?

Thanksgiving Around The World: Where? When? What Are They Eating?

I was surprised to discover that my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, is celebrated around the world in a variety of cultures! I began thinking about this as I wondered what it would be like to move to another country and if I could somehow convince the community I find to celebrate Thanksgiving with me… Turns out, they may already be celebrating a Thanksgiving of their own!

But will there be Green Bean Casserole? Pecan Pie? Buttery Mashed Potatoes? These are the important questions we will be answering here today.

While researching this topic, I found at least 18 countries around the world who celebrate Thanksgiving at some point in the year. Today we will discuss only 10 of these places, starting with those closest to home… Mexico and Canada!

10 Places Celebrating Thanksgiving Around The World

Mexico

While Thanksgiving is not an official Mexican holiday, it is often celebrated on the last week of November as a result of their close proximity to America, the large amount of Americans living in the country, and the overall blending of our cultures.

Hosting a Thanksgiving feast with Turkey at the center is not outside the realm of possibility in Mexico, but some families choose to celebrate with a feast of their own traditional Mexican dishes, such as Tamales, Mole Pozole, and Chiles en Nogada.

Canada

Celebrated on the second Monday in October, Canada’s Thanksgiving, “Jour de l’Action de grâce,” has been a national holiday since 1879. On this day, Canadians gather with friends and family for a feast, watch the annual “Thanksgiving Day Classic” football game, and attend parades – Almost identical to what we do here in the US.

The similarities don’t stop there; The traditional Thanksgiving meal in Canada consists of Turkey, Stuffing, Casseroles, and Pies… Perhaps including Maple Syrup as a key ingredient? (I just looked this up and can confirm, it is somewhat true!)

Liberia

Considered more of a religious holiday in Liberia, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the first Thursday of November by attending a religious ceremony, relaxing with loved ones, and only sometimes – By sharing a Thanksgiving feast. Liberia is the only country in Africa to celebrate Thanksgiving, given that it was founded by freed American slaves.

Very seldomly will Liberians cook up a traditional American Thanksgiving meal; Those who do celebrate with a feast will likely include traditional West African dishes instead, such as Pepper Chicken, Jallof Rice, and Rice Bread.

The Netherlands

You may not know that the Pilgrims spent over 10 years in Amsterdam and Leiden before arriving to America back in 1620 (I sure didn’t). As a result of this, some places in the Netherlands do celebrate Thanksgiving on the same day as we do in America, usually by attending church.

Unfortunately, you won’t find any sort of traditional meal served for Thanksgiving in the Netherlands, unless you’re a tourist looking for a taste of home on the holiday – In which case, you can typically find a traditional American Thanksgiving meal at American restaurants throughout the country.

Germany, Switzerland, Austria

Very similar to Thanksgiving – Erntedankfest, or “harvest festival of thanks,” is celebrated in early October in Germany and other German-speaking countries, such as Switzerland and Austria. While the celebration activities vary by region, the day usually consists of Church service in the morning and evening, folk music and dancing, followed by a parade and/or fireworks. Some places stretch this holiday out to be a 3-day affair!

A traditional Erntedankfest table often includes fine breads, vegetables, jams, cheese, beer, and birds. However, each family serves what they enjoy most, making the “traditional” meal of Erntedankfest more of a tradition from family to family, rather than for the holiday as a whole.

Japan

Kinrōkansha no Hi, “Labor Thanksgiving Day,” is a public holiday in Japan very similar to Thanksgiving and is celebrated on November 23rd each year. On this day, schools and companies give thanks and gifts to those who work for the country – Teachers, Officers, Firefighters, and Healthcare Workers.

The day is typically spent gathering with friends and family for a meal, a potluck, and other community events. In Japan, there IS a traditional Thanksgiving meal! This varies by region, but usually consists of traditional Japanese dishes such as grilled fish, rice, vegetables, and soups.

China

Known as Gan’en Jie, “thanks for grace,” in China, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, same as in the US. The holiday is more typically observed by Christians and the younger generation. Those who do choose to celebrate Gan’en Jie will likely enjoy a similar meal to that of Americans, consisting of Turkey, Cranberry, and Pumpkin dishes.

Brazil

“Dia de Ação de Graças” also coincides with American Thanksgiving, taking place on the fourth Thursday of November. The holiday was brought to Brazil by Brazilian Ambassador to the United States, Joaquim Nabuco, in the 1940s. He enjoyed the American tradition and thought it would be a great way to bring together the people of Brazil for gratitude and unity. However, “Dia de Ação de Graças,” is not a National holiday in Brazil and never quite caught on the way it did in America.

Those who choose to celebrate Thanksgiving in Brazil do so with a similar traditional Thanksgiving meal to what we have here – Sometimes with a Brazilian twist, including Farofa, Arroz Festivo, or Maionese de Batata.

So… What have we learned from this quick “Thanksgiving Around The World” journey? Well, the joy of American Thanksgiving has spread across many cultures, some not even mentioned here. Other countries celebrate a type of “Thanksgiving” for their own reasons in a completely different way… And some places do not observe Thanksgiving whatsoever. But as we’ve realized today – That doesn’t necessarily mean they never will!

That being said, wherever I end up in my life – You bet I will be cooking up a feast for my family on the fourth Thursday of November whether they like it or not!

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