Thanksgivings gather people together and give one the gift of being thankful, with warm comfort food and celebration. But what does this essentially American holiday look like in Mexico? Does Mexico celebrate Thanksgiving? Embracing the best of Mexican traditions with a heart for festive gatherings, Thanksgiving might look different and just as magical.
Although Thanksgiving is widely observed in the US and Canada, it is unclear if Mexico observes this fall holiday as well. Although Thanksgiving is not officially celebrated in Mexico, several families, especially those connected to the United States, unofficially celebrate it with some festive fervor, partly due to the strong influence of neighbors north of the Mexican border
Does Mexico Celebrate Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving Day is not observed as a national holiday in Mexico, offices and schools remain open. Nonetheless, some people might get together for Thanksgiving with family and friends, particularly in urban areas or near the U.S. border. Mexico now distinctively celebrates Thanksgiving thanks to this blending of cultures, which combines Mexican cuisine with traditional Thanksgiving fare.
Although Thanksgiving is not officially celebrated in Mexico, its cultural presence has increased in the last few years, especially in neighborhoods near the U.S.-Mexico border or neighborhoods with American-based businesses. For many Mexican families, Thanksgiving is observed as an informal family gathering rather than an officially recognized national holiday time to bond, share a communal meal, and reflect upon appreciation.
Various private and public businesses and schools are open in most parts, yet a large number of families celebrate at the dinner table to experience the holiday spirit. Thanksgiving in Mexico is a very eclectic affair, a mix of traditional American customs in flavors such as Mexican, making it a cross-cultural experience unique to Mexico.
Also read: Canadian Thanksgiving vs. American Thanksgiving: What Makes Them Unique?
How Does Mexico Celebrate Thanksgiving?
Though Thanksgiving isn’t a staple festival in Mexico and not a widespread celebration, it has made its way into some Mexican households. Many families and friends enjoy the day, attend meal parties, play games, etc. Here are the details of how people in Mexico celebrate Thanksgiving –
Family Gatherings and Feasts
The observance of Thanksgiving in Mexico centers on family reunions. Families, by and large, gather together to have a special meal; even if it is not turkey, the feast is festive enough. Several families roasted turkey with a Mexican twist: chili, garlic, and lime were added for extra flavor. Others may add traditional Mexican dishes like tamales, mole (a sauce), etc side by side with their traditional Thanksgiving food.
Combination of American and Mexican Dishes
If you have decided to hold Thanksgiving in itself, it is best to go with a mix of American and Mexican flavors. The most preferred is the mashed potatoes but served with spicy Mexican salsas or stuffing with jalapeños, there can be cranberry sauce, red-colored but having a hint of chili. This testifies to the creative spirit of Mexican cuisine blending cultures with an added spice into traditional American dishes of Thanksgiving.
Giving Thanks in Unique Ways
This is the most genuine answer to the question – How does Mexico celebrate Thanksgiving? Even though Thanksgiving is not a holiday in Mexico, the sentiment of gratitude certainly rings to many. The Mexican families who celebrate Thanksgiving will certainly have a slot for gratitude during the blessings of the year, much like what is done in America. Perhaps this will be built into a small prayer or toast and some assembling of friends and family for what is being thankful for.
Restaurants and Special Menus
Some restaurants and hotels, particularly in the bigger cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, prepare Thanksgiving dinners for American tourists as well as expatriates. These will have an extremely formal traditional Thanksgiving menu but will allow the country’s visitors and residents to live the spirit of the day. Thus, travelers and expatriates who happen to be in Mexico on Thanksgiving can enjoy a meal that feels a little like home, albeit far from it.
Watching American Football
Many associate Thanksgiving Day with American football, and this trend has also gained popularity during Mexican fiestas. Those interested in sports have nowadays the opportunity to watch the annual NFL games, which brings into the Mexican home a little bit of American tradition.
Also read: What are Thanksgiving Colors and Their Significance?
Creative Ideas that You Can Try Thanksgiving in Mexico
While you have learned does Mexico celebrates Thanksgiving, let’s have a quick look at some creative ideas. You can celebrate Friendsgiving with tamales (meat and maize) and mole or have a beach picnic with turkey and Mexican seasonings. For more fun with friends, use local music and NFL games which are highly popular in Mexico. Also, if you are in Mexico for Thanksgiving, or thinking of celebrating it with your family, here are a few fun ways to blend American and Mexican traditions:
Try a Mexican-Inspired Thanksgiving Menu: Serve with a roasted turkey, quench with Mexican spices or guacamole and chips, for the most classically traditional Thanksgiving.
Celebrate at a Beach or Outdoors: If you live in the warmer parts of Mexico, consider hosting a picnic or beach party for your Thanksgiving instead of a traditional dinner inside.
Conduct a ‘Friendsgiving’ Fiesta: Invite friends and neighbors to join in the celebration, mixing Thanksgiving dishes with Mexican music, decor, and desserts like churros or flan.
Conclusion
As Thanksgiving approaches, the preparation for the celebration is getting started in various parts of the world. However, it is interesting to learn how does Mexico celebrate Thanksgiving and we have tried to answer it in this article. We can conclude that Thanksgiving is not prevalent in Mexico, however, a few states celebrate this occasion. It is especially celebrated by people who come from outside countries like the USA, Canada, etc.
