Thanksgiving, one of the most important celebrations in the United States, has also become a significant date for millions of Latinos living in the country. Although many immigrants did not grow up with this holiday, over time they have adopted -and adapted- some of its traditions, transforming them into unique celebrations where American and Latin American flavors, customs and values coexist.
Here’s a look at the Thanksgiving traditions that Latino families in the U.S. are incorporating the most.
A day to be thankful… the Latino way
Although Thanksgiving is not part of the traditional calendar in most Latin American countries, the concept of giving thanks as a family is deeply cultural.
For this reason, many Latino families find in this date an opportunity to get together, give thanks and appreciate the work and achievements in the U.S.
In Latino households, the prayer before dinner usually has a more emotional touch: thanks for health, for job opportunities, for the well-being of family members who live far away, and for the possibility of continuing to build a future in the country.
Turkey, but with a Latin twist
Although turkey is the undisputed star of the American menu, Latinos have reinterpreted it with their own flavors.
Some of the most popular versions include:
Turkey with garlic mojo
Turkey marinated with achiote or chile ancho
Caribbean style turkey with sour orange and spices
Stuffed with chorizo, plantains or dried fruits and nuts
The fusion is also evident in the side dishes: rice with pigeon peas, tamales, avocado salads, tostones, red rice or refried beans accompany the traditional mashed potatoes and American gravy.
Full tables and larger celebrations
Unlike American families, whose dinners tend to be more formal and small, many Latino families celebrate Thanksgiving with large gatherings, similar to the holiday season.
Cousins, uncles, aunts, uncles, compadres and close friends join in a celebration that mixes hearty food with music, stories and long after-dinner conversations.
This expansion of the fiesta reflects a very Latin characteristic: large-scale celebrations as a symbol of unity and community support.
American soccer and… Latino soccer
Another tradition that many Latinos have adopted is watching Thanksgiving Day soccer games, especially the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions games.
However, in many homes, television alternates between NFL and Latino soccer, especially when there are Liga MX playoffs or national team friendlies.
The sports mix is a reflection of the cultural crossover in thousands of Hispanic households.
Black Friday: the tradition most quickly adopted by Latinos
If there is one tradition that Latinos have embraced with enthusiasm, it is Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year.
Many families see it as an opportunity to save on clothing, electronics, toys and household items, especially with the holiday season in mind.
However, caution is also advised: check real prices, avoid misleading offers and plan a budget to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Consumer protection agencies point out that the risk of online scams has increased in recent years, so it is important to check official sites and use secure payment methods.
Thanksgiving has become a hybrid celebration within Latino families in the United States.
It is not just a turkey dinner: it is a space where cultures, flavors, family memories and new traditions created in the process of migratory adaptation are mixed.
Filed under: Latin Thanksgiving
