where do they celebrate thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Celebrations Worldwide Thanksgiving originated in North America but has spread to various countries, each with unique twists tied to history, harvest, or culture. Primarily observed in the United States and Canada, similar harvest festivals occur globally, blending gratitude with local traditions.

Core Countries

The United States celebrates Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November , featuring turkey feasts, parades, and family gatherings rooted in the 1621 Plymouth harvest. Canada marks it earlier, on the second Monday of October , with comparable meals emphasizing autumn abundance. Liberia officially joins as the only other nation with a dedicated day—the first Thursday of November —honoring its founding by freed American slaves.

Lesser-Known Observances

• Netherlands : Orthodox Protestants note it on the first Wednesday of November , attending church services linked to Pilgrim history in Leiden.

• Germany : Erntedankfest harvest festivals feature church blessings and decorated produce displays, not a public holiday but culturally vibrant.

• Brazil : Protestant groups and American expats observe the fourth Thursday of November , though it's unofficial.

• Grenada : Known as Thanksgiving Day on October 25 , it commemorates independence with prayers and feasts.

• Norfolk Island (Australia) : Locals celebrate on the last Wednesday of November , a nod to American whalers.

These span at least 13 countries including Rwanda (Umuganura Day in August), Saint Lucia (first Monday in October), Philippines (revived culturally), Japan (Kinro Kansha no Hi), South Korea (Chuseok), and others like Ghana and Malaysia with harvest parallels.

Trending Discussions

Recent Reddit threads highlight global curiosity, with non-Americans asking about U.S. customs like turkey and football, reflecting its cultural export via media. Forums buzz with stories of international adaptations, such as Dutch expats hosting hybrid meals. No major 2025 controversies noted, but posts emphasize inclusivity amid diverse viewpoints.

Cultural Variations Table

Country/Territory| Date| Key Traditions
---|---|---
United States 1| 4th Thursday Nov| Turkey, parades, gratitude prayers
Canada 3| 2nd Monday Oct| Family dinners, harvest themes
Liberia 7| 1st Thursday Nov| Church, rice/yams, relaxation
Netherlands 1| 1st Wed Nov| Protestant services
Germany 5| Varies (Oct)| Erntedankfest church, market displays
Brazil 1| 4th Thursday Nov| Unofficial family meals
Rwanda 1| 1st Friday Aug| Umuganura dances, harvest foods

TL;DR : Thanksgiving thrives most in the U.S., Canada, and Liberia, with harvest echoes in 10+ other nations—dates and feasts vary by local history.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.