Fun fact: It's not just America!
There's a lot to be excited about come Thanksgiving. Besides the big Thanksgiving meal that we get to enjoy year after year, the holiday in itself just gives us a warm feeling! And there's a reason why we participate in all those meaningful Thanksgiving traditions, like splitting the turkey wishbone or honoring your family with a Thanksgiving toast—but were you aware that America isn't the only country to celebrate the holiday?
Don't get us wrong: The reason why we celebrate Thanksgiving is American at its core! But other countries around the globe have similar holidays and practices that are unique to their homeland. Some celebrate the idea of giving thanks with carnivals and street festivals, while others honor their special day with church services or even crafts. Plus, not all countries celebrate in the month of November. In Canada, for instance, their variation on Thanksgiving is an October observance.
Read on and learn about which countries participate in Thanksgiving festivities, and everything that goes into it! It makes for fascinating Thanksgiving trivia and you may even decide to take a trip to one of these countries during their own version of giving thanks!
1
Brazil
In Brazil, Thanksgiving festivities are called Dia de Ação de Graças. It all started in the 1940s when Joaquim Nabuco, the Brazilian ambassador, visited the U.S. and became impressed by our Thanksgiving traditions. Inspired, he brought the idea of a similar tradition to Brazil—which has gone on every year since.
Heavily influenced by American Thanksgiving, the celebration in Brazil occurs on the same day in November as American Thanksgiving and has many practices that are the same. However instead of a big parade, Brazil celebrates with church services followed by a carnival.
2
Canada
If you've ever been to Canada during the month of October, you're probably familiar with their Thanksgiving, also known as Action de Grâce. The tradition began even before American Thanksgiving, when the country came together to honor Sir Martin Frobisher as he and his team arrived on the land in 1578.
Action de Grâce takes place on the second Monday of October every year, with Canadians celebrating in a similar way that American's do—eating hearty meals and enjoying each other's company.
3
China
The Mid-Autumn Festival (which also goes by the name "Moon Festival") in China is signified by the full moon, seeing the country celebrate with lots of traditional food, music, and time with family.
Where the holiday differentiates from America is that it's three days long, beginning on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (so, typically mid-September or October, depending on the year).
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4
England
In the United Kingdom, Thanksgiving is less a holiday and more so a festival—the Harvest Festival, to be exact! While they don't celebrate in the same way as the United States, England does hold music and food festivals in September and October—depending on when the prime of the harvest season is.
5
Ghana
The hom*owo Festival is Ghana's version of Thanksgiving, but sees the festivities (music, street dancing, and lots of feasts) span over a course of three months, starting in May and ending in April. The origin of the holiday is a bit of an inspiring story. The Ga people were experiencing a long time famine, but when they were finally given rain from Mother Nature, they were able to grow vegetables, fruits, and other crops like never before. Since then, Ghana celebrates the miracle with The hom*owo Festival.
6
Japan
In Japan, they celebrate Kinrõ Kansha no Hi—which means "Labor Thanksgiving Day." Though it takes place every November 23 (and holds a similar name to American Thanksgiving), the significance of this holiday is more aligned with the United States' version of Labor Day, seeing as it's a day to respect its' workers.
Kinrõ Kansha no Hi sees a more relaxed way of celebrating, with children usually making crafts which are then sent to the common labor worker in their area.
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7
Grenada
Get this: Grenada started celebrating Thanksgiving only 30 years ago! The annual tradition began in the country in 1983 when the U.S. military assisted in reinstating peace and order in Grenada. This saw the country and its people thank the military by serving them a delectable feast, which has since carried on year after year on October 25, essentially becoming a holiday of its own!
8
South India
The Tamil people of South India are thankful for lots of things, but especially agriculture and all that contributes to its wellbeing! The list includes (but isn't limited to): the Sun god, natural surroundings, and the animals native to the land. This appreciation is celebrated in the form of a three-day festival called Pongal in January (on the solar calendar).
9
The Netherlands
Did you know that the Netherlands actually celebrates American Thanksgiving? This is because before settlers even set foot on U.S. land, they rested in Leiden—a city in The Netherlands—before completing their journey. While the meaning for celebrating Thanksgiving remains the same in both countries, The Netherlands does not hold a big feast like we do. They take the day to meet in Pieterskerk, a staple church in the country, to honor the efforts of those who helped start the voyage to America.
Josiah Soto
Josiah Soto is the assistant editor of news and social for The Pioneer Woman. He helps manage the website’s social channels, in addition to writing high-performing news and entertainment content daily.
