Thanksgiving Day, or Thanksgiving, is one of the most emblematic holidays in the United States that is celebrated as national holiday the fourth Thursday of November. Although its origin dates back to the meeting between the pilgrims and Native Americans in the 17th century, this celebration has evolved as a symbol of gratitude, family unity and cultural diversity. For Latinos in the United States, Thanksgiving not only represents an opportunity to reflect and give thanks, but also to merge their traditions with this holiday, creating a unique bridge between cultures.
History of Thanksgiving: origin and evolution
Thanksgiving Day was first celebrated in 1621, when settlers from Plymouth Colony, known as Pilgrims or pilgrims, organized a dinner of thanksgiving with the Wampanoag tribe. These colonists, who were religious separatists seeking freedom of worship, had emigrated from England to the Netherlands in 1608 and later to the New World in 1620 aboard the Mayflower.
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The Mayflower: A storm and a change of course
Although they originally planned to reach Jamestown, Virginia, a storm diverted them to Plymouth, Massachusetts, where they landed in November 1620. The first winter was devastating; more than half of the colonists died due to the harsh weather conditions and food shortages.
In the spring of 1621, the pilgrims received help from Squanto, a member of the Patuxet tribe who spoke English because of his unfortunate experience as a slave in Europe. Squanto taught them farming techniques, such as planting corn, and linked them with the Wampanoag, who shared their knowledge of fishing and hunting.
The first Thanksgiving celebration
The history of Thanksgiving begins in the autumn In 1621, after a successful harvest, the Pilgrims held a meal to thank God and the Wampanoag for their support. This celebration marked the beginning of what would later become Thanksgiving Day. However, it would be more than 240 years before Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday in 1863, in an effort to unite the country during the Civil War.
Over time, Thanksgiving has evolved to include modern traditions such as football, parades, Black Friday, and the iconic turkey as the main dish.
Latinos in the modern Thanksgiving
The Latino community has transformed Thanksgiving with its own cultural identity. Although turkey remains the star, many Latino families incorporate traditional dishes such as tamales, pupusas, arroz con gandules or empanadas. In addition, Latinos play a crucial role in the production of food that supports this holiday, from working on farms to preparing food in restaurants.
This influence reflects how Latin traditions do not replace the celebration of Thanksgiving, but rather enrich it with new flavors and customs that strengthen bicultural identity.
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Latin traditions that resonate on Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving Day aligns perfectly with deeply rooted values in Latino culture, such as gratitude, the importance of family, and a sense of community. During this holiday, many Latino families gather in large groups, share stories, pray, and give thanks for the blessings they have received.
In some communities, this celebration includes prayers or ceremonies of gratitude that combine elements of Latin spirituality with the symbolism of Thanksgiving.
These recipes not only add flavor, but also connect families to their cultural roots and help enrich the Thanksgiving story.
Cultural mix
Thanksgiving Day symbolizes the cultural richness of the United States, where traditions from different communities intertwine. For Latinos, this holiday is not just an adaptation, but an opportunity to contribute their cultural heritage and actively participate in American social life.
This cultural exchange strengthens ties between communities and demonstrates that diversity is a strength that enriches everyone.
The Role of Latinos in Modern Thanksgiving
The Latino community has significantly influenced how Thanksgiving is celebrated in many American families. Although turkey is the star, it is not uncommon to find dishes such as tamales, arroz con gandules, pupusas or empanadas on the table.
For many Latinos, the Turkey It is so iconic that Thanksgiving is colloquially known as "Turkey Day," an expression that reflects how the holiday fits into everyday language while maintaining its essence of gratitude and togetherness.
In addition, Latinos have contributed greatly to the agricultural and food industries that support this holiday, from vegetable production to food preparation in restaurants.
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Latin recipes that add flavor to Thanksgiving
Incorporating Latin recipes into your Thanksgiving menu is a creative way to celebrate cultural richness. Here are some ideas:
- Corn tamales: Ideal as a starter or accompaniment, they evoke the flavors of Mexico and Central America.
- Pumpkin empanadas: A sweet alternative that combines autumn ingredients with a classic Latin recipe.
- Turkey stuffed with mofongo: A Caribbean touch that fuses traditional turkey with tropical flavors.
These recipes not only add flavor, but also connect families to their cultural roots.
Gratitude, diversity and reflection
Thanksgiving is more than just a dinner or an American tradition; it is a time to share, reflect and build new traditions. For Latinos in the United States, it represents an opportunity to enrich this celebration with their culture, promoting unity in diversity.
It is important to highlight that for many communities and tribes, this date is a cause of pain and memory, it is considered a reminder of loss and resistance. It is a duality that invites us to reflect on shared history, the visions of the colonizers and the colonized, and the need to build a future that celebrates diversity, equity, and justice.
Ultimately, Thanksgiving reminds us that even though our roots may be different, there is always one common thread that unites us: gratitude.
If you are interested in learning more about the history of Thanksgiving, we recommend Thankgiving and the history of this day reserved for giving thanks.
- "Mayflower: A story of courage, community and war" - Nathaniel Philbrick. Available in Spanish, it explores the Mayflower voyage and the challenges of the first settlers in the United States.
- "Thanksgiving: The Biography of an American Holiday" - James W. Baker. Available in English, it explores how Thanksgiving evolved from a religious day of gratitude in New England to a national holiday in the United States.
Sources: Natgeo
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