how long did the first thanksgiving last

The 1621 event commonly called the “first Thanksgiving” is generally described as a harvest celebration that lasted three days.

Quick Scoop

• Most historians agree the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag people feasted and celebrated over a period of three days in autumn 1621.

• Edward Winslow, a Pilgrim present at the feast, wrote that they “entertained and feasted” with their Native guests for three days, which is the main primary source for this detail.

• Modern retellings often shorten this to a single big meal, but the original gathering was more like a multi‑day harvest festival with food, diplomacy, and recreation rather than a one‑evening dinner.

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