Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated by Americans on the last Thursday of November. It celebrates the story of the Pilgrim’s meal with the Native Americans, to give thanks and spend time with the loved ones. Traditions for Thanksgiving may vary from region to region, some families have their own rituals, but many Turkey Day customs have deep roots in American history. From turkey pardoning to the first feast, here are the origins of the holiday’s most iconic traditions.
- First Feast. Back in 1621, the first American Thanksgiving was celebrated, to commemorate the harvest reaped by the Plymouth Colony after a harsh winter. In that year the current Governor, William Bradford proclaimed the day of thanksgiving. In that day, the colonists celebrated its traditional English harvest feast, to which they invited the local Wampanoag Indians.
- Turkey pardon. Every year the president frees one lucky turkey while millions are consigned to the dinner table. Since the 1800s turkey farmers have been sending presidents the choicest turkeys, but President John F. Kennedy was the first one on record to spare a turkey. In 1989 President George H.W. Bush was the first to give the official pardon to a turkey.
- Official holiday. Thanksgiving festivals became an annual event in the 1700s, when each state set aside a different day for the holiday. In 1789 George Washington declared the first national celebration of Thanksgiving, and he issued a proclamation. The holiday got fixed in 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln set aside the last Thursday in November for the day of thanks.
The majority of families celebrate this holiday with a large meal and some of them with a religious service. Many countries in the world observe a variation of this celebration or have a different holiday along the same theme. The most practiced ritual is the Thanksgiving dinner, this meal usually includes turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, cranberry sauce, corn, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pies, but many feasts differs according to the families and cultures. Many see it as a commemoration of the pilgrims’ successful harvest with the help of Native Americans.
Come and celebrate Thanksgiving in Puerto Vallarta. Start new traditions and spend time with your loved ones surrounded by the amazing beach and nature. Give thanks for the nature and calmness that Puerto Vallarta has. And while you are here, experience the most exciting eco-tours in the city. Give us call for more information +52 322 222 0560.