The famous American holiday Thanksgiving, meaning a day of giving thanks, took shape in 1621 with the pilgrims of the Mayflower in order to thank God for their first harvest on American soil, with the help of Native Americans. Today, Thanksgiving is still celebrated and Americans continue to thank God, or more broadly to express gratitude for the positive things received during the year, with an enormous festive meal. It is certainly one of the most important events in the United States, and it takes place on the fourth Thursday of November.

People often speak about the Thanksgiving weekend because schools are closed the day before and the day after, creating a long weekend, or even a whole week of vacation in some states, which is rare in the United States. Another unusual point is that many companies are also closed that day so everyone can join family and loved ones. In fact, it is during this period that Americans travel the most by plane or by car in order to celebrate with relatives and friends. It is useful to know that if you are coming to the United States during this time.

Events linked to Thanksgiving

If you are in New York, do not miss the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Thanksgiving parade organized by the Macy’s department store chain. On the program: floats, giant balloons, all kinds of characters, lots of entertainment, and above all the participation of many artists. This parade is broadcast live on television. The parade starts at 9 a.m., and you can discover its 2017 route on the map below. To learn more about the Thanksgiving parade.

Route of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Photo Macy’s

The National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation is a ceremony that takes place each year at the White House shortly before Thanksgiving, during which the President of the United States is presented with a live turkey by the National Federation. Even though some presidents had already done it before, such as President John F. Kennedy, it was in 1989, during the first Thanksgiving of President George H. W. Bush, that the Pardoning of White House Turkeys really took shape. This is a funny tradition that allows one turkey each year to be “saved” by the President of the United States. Americans are very fond of this custom, which has even evolved further since, for the last few years, American citizens have been able to vote on social media to save one of the two participating turkeys. In reality, the two turkeys are both spared.

President John F. Kennedy pardoning a turkey on November 19, 1963

The Thanksgiving meal

When people say Thanksgiving, they mean a traditional meal generally made up of the famous turkey with stuffing, accompanied by cranberry sauce, a sweet potato gratin or mash, cornbread, and many other side dishes. It is a very important meal here and perhaps even the one during which Americans eat the most. The meal often ends with a dessert such as the famous pumpkin pie, which is one of the emblematic symbols of the season.

Thanksgiving is therefore much more than a simple meal. It is a real family holiday, a key moment of the American year, and a tradition that says a lot about the country’s culture, relationship to family, and sense of ritual.

Thanksgiving in the USA is one of the strongest expressions of American family traditions and gratitude.