Thanksgiving in America & Around the World
Cruise Circle
Our friends across the pond are currently gearing up for their annual day of ‘Thanksgiving’ – a holiday that held its first official celebrations in 1863. Let’s take a look at some of the history and events at the heart of the festivities…
The history of thanksgiving in America
From pilgrims to ‘pass the gravy’
Held on the fourth Thursday in November, the background to Thanksgiving is shrouded in legend and myth, however it's widely believed that the holiday originated from a 1621 harvest feast between English colonists who settled at Plymouth and Native Americans from the Wampanoag tribe.
Celebrations around the States
New York City
From the infamous floats and marching bands of Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade to tucking into a slice of pumpkin pie at one of NYC’s countless pie shops – the Big Apple sure knows how to celebrate. Plus, if you’re a ‘two birds, one stone’ kind of traveller, Manhattan is already full of Christmas magic by now too! That means iconic sights like the Rockefeller Christmas tree and Central Park ice rink will be awaiting your arrival.
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Miami
Head to the sunshine state and enjoy mild temperatures with a mellow tempo in Miami. The city throws a mini version of the aforementioned Thanksgiving Day Parade, hosts an annual 5k ‘Turkey Trot’ race and showcases a huge number of speciality menus (from seafood buffets to gourmet brunches) for those looking for something a bit more international. Cruise lines like NCL and Celebrity Cruises offer Thanksgiving itineraries – perfect for anyone who fancies their turkey with a tropical flair!
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Los Angeles
A destination that doesn’t follow the rules, LA is well-known for its inclusive and forward-thinking mindset – which seemingly extends to Turkeys. Despite the bird being culturally considered a traditional dish of the holiday, many people no longer see animals as food, but friends. So forget the food coma and head to one of the sanctuaries that invite you to come and give them a cuddle instead!
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Thanksgiving across the rest of the world
Thanksgiving's roots grew from harvest festivals
The concept of ‘thanksgiving’ isn’t a purely American phenomenon. Records from the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans show us that special ceremonies at harvest are commonplace for many cultures and religions. Here’s a look at some of the unique celebrations from around the world…
Germany’s Erntedankfest
Mostly celebrated in rural areas at the beginning of October, this is Germany’s answer to a traditional harvest festival. Dating all the way back to Pagan times, it’s now marked with country fairs, church services and town gatherings. Huge displays are created using colourful autumn crops, with the showpiece Erntekrone (‘harvest crown’) taking centre stage. From processions paying tribute to agricultural work to a lantern and torch parade, Erntedankfest is all about fun, good food and thanksgiving for the past year.
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China’s Moon Festival
The second grandest festival after the Chinese New Year, these celebrations take place around the 15th day of the 8th Chinese lunar month. People gather to celebrate the full moon (a symbol of family reunion in Chinese culture), worship deities and give thanks for the autumn harvest. Mooncakes are a staple of the soirée and families will sit together to make and eat the sweet bean-stuffed round pastries. Huge lantern displays are a highlight too, lighting the sky with a kaleidoscope of colour that feels almost ethereal.
Cruises to China & the Far East
India’s Pongal
A four-day Hindu festival that honours the Sun God for a bountiful harvest – this celebration is held by the Tamil community in South India. Old belongings are thrown out to signify a fresh start. People draw colourful patterns called kolam at the entrances to their homes. Cows are bathed and decorated with flowers garlands and bells, and finally, families gather together for food and traditional folk dancing.
