The United States primarily celebrates Thanksgiving as a national holiday on the fourth Thursday of November, rooted in a 1621 harvest feast between Pilgrims and Native Americans. Canada also observes it officially, but on the second Monday of October, focusing on gratitude for the harvest. Several other countries have their own versions or informal observances influenced by history, culture, or American ties.

Major Celebrators

  • United States : Features turkey dinners, parades like Macy's, and family gatherings; made federal in 1863 by Lincoln.
  • Canada : Similar traditions with turkey and pumpkin pie, but earlier timing aligns with its harvest season.
  • Liberia : First Thursday in November, honoring freed American slaves founding the nation in 1822; includes church services and rice-based meals.

Other Notable Observances

Various nations adapted Thanksgiving uniquely:

  • Brazil : Fourth Thursday in November (Dia de Ação de Graças), with church services and carnivals, inspired by a 1940s ambassador's U.S. visit.
  • Netherlands : First Wednesday in November by Protestant churches, not a public holiday.
  • Grenada : Since 1983, post-U.S. intervention, with American-style feasts.
  • Norfolk Island (Australia) : Last Wednesday in November, from 19th-century whalers.
  • Saint Lucia : First Monday in October.
  • Rwanda : Umuganura Day first Friday in August, harvest festival with dances.
  • Philippines : Informal revival post-1986, commercial focus.

Variations Table

Country| Date| Key Features
---|---|---
United States| 4th Thursday Nov 4| Turkey, football, Black Friday start
Canada| 2nd Monday Oct 1| Harvest focus, family meals
Liberia| 1st Thursday Nov 3| Church, rice/yams
Brazil| 4th Thursday Nov 7| Carnival after services
Grenada| October (varies) 5| U.S.-style since 1983

These reflect gratitude themes but diverge in dates and customs, often tied to migration or harvests. TL;DR : USA and Canada lead officially; others like Liberia and Brazil join with local twists.

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