Citizens of the United States and Canada have slowly modernized Thanksgiving traditions over centuries by incorporating their culture into the nationwide holiday emphasizing its theme of family. Today in the US Thanksgiving is the second most popular holiday with 90% of the population celebrating in some capacity. Many believe the traditional Thanksgiving dinner is modeled after the first feast shared by the Natives and Pilgrims in 1621. However, the vast majority of people interviewed mentioned a custom or food that is not considered a nationwide tradition.
Cultural Cuisine
Senior Donovan Magallanes, who is Puerto Rican and Ecuadorian says, “Someone will make turkey and someone else will make pernil.”
Pernil is a popular pork dish in Puerto Rico that the Magallanes family incorporates into their meal each Thanksgiving. Families of other ethnicities similarly include their culture in their Thanksgiving traditions. For example, families such as the Sokolow and DiCosmo families of Colonia include pasta dishes in their feasts to integrate their heritage.
Personal Touch
Not every Thanksgiving custom revolves around culture, some people include traditions that we created by their own families. Adding something specific and personal to your Thanksgiving Day festivities makes this holiday that much more special.
Substitute at Colonia High, Miss Julia Vargas mentions a broccoli and corn souffle that is served at her feast each year. Vargas says, “My aunt made it up… it’s very nostalgic and reminds me of my childhood.”
It’s not just about food …
Although it’s easy to focus on food, Thanksgiving began as a celebration of the end of a hard year and the new relationships formed in the process. Today it symbolizes the same message of gathering and being grateful. While some families show their gratitude by taking turns sharing stories, others simply put on some music and dance. No matter how your family shows appreciation for one another on this holiday, thankfulness and gratitude will root it all.
