Thanksgiving, a quintessentially American holiday, is celebrated with much fervor in the United States. It’s a time for families and friends to come together, share a bountiful meal, and express gratitude for the blessings in their lives. However, this cherished holiday is not widely celebrated in most other countries, including France. In this blog post, we’ll explore whether France celebrates Thanksgiving and how they approach this holiday season differently.

Thanksgiving in the United States

Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, has a rich history in the United States. It originated with the Pilgrims who settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621. They held a feast to give thanks for a successful harvest and invited the Wampanoag Native Americans to join them. This event is often considered the first Thanksgiving.

In the U.S., Thanksgiving is a significant cultural and family-oriented holiday. It’s marked by a festive meal featuring roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie, among other dishes. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, televised football games, and the presidential turkey pardon are all iconic elements of the holiday.

Thanksgiving in France

While Thanksgiving is not a national holiday in France, it has gained some recognition in recent years, primarily among expatriates, American communities, and those who appreciate the holiday’s values of gratitude and togetherness. Here’s how Thanksgiving is observed in France:

1. American Expatriate Communities: In cities with sizable American expatriate communities, such as Paris, you may find restaurants, stores, and organizations that host Thanksgiving events and offer traditional American Thanksgiving meals. These gatherings provide a sense of home for American residents and visitors.
2. Restaurants and Food Culture: Some French restaurants and bakeries have embraced Thanksgiving as an opportunity to offer themed menus and dishes, incorporating American flavors and ingredients like turkey, sweet potatoes, and cranberries.
3. Cultural Interest: Thanksgiving has garnered interest in French culture and media, with articles, television programs, and cooking segments devoted to exploring the holiday’s customs and recipes.
4. Private Celebrations: A small number of French families, influenced by American culture or with personal connections to the United States, may choose to celebrate Thanksgiving privately with a traditional meal.

French Thanksgiving: A Twist on Tradition

While Thanksgiving may not be an official holiday in France, the spirit of gratitude and celebration is not lost. France has its own rich traditions and holidays, such as Bastille Day (July 14th) and the Feast of Saint Martin (November 11th), which are celebrated with parades, feasts, and fireworks.

In summary, while Thanksgiving is not widely celebrated in France, there is growing interest and appreciation for this American holiday. It provides an opportunity for cultural exchange and culinary exploration, bringing a touch of Americana to the heart of France. Whether celebrated in a traditional or modified form, Thanksgiving serves as a reminder that gratitude and togetherness are universal values that transcend borders and cultures.