What Is Thanksgiving Day And Where It’s Celebrated With Full Enthusiasm? Know All About It

All About Thanksgiving Day: Thanksgiving Day is a favourite holiday, mostly celebrated in the U.S. and Canada. On this day, people express gratitude and say thanks for good stuff in their lives- like harvest season, family, food and good luck. Thanksgiving’s roots go way back to the 1600s - when Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a feast after a successful harvest. Over the years, that feast day grew into an official holiday where families, relatives and neighbours gather together to celebrate.

Today, Thanksgiving isn't only about history - it's a festival for togetherness, care, generosity and also being thankful. People celebrate it by enjoying grand meals, offering prayers, supporting those in need and hanging out with family. Starting from tasty turkey (the main dish of Thanksgiving), right through fun parades and football games, each aspect of Thanksgiving adds cosiness and cheer.

Though it is mainly celebrated in the U.S. and Canada, a few other countries around the world also celebrate it with real excitement. It's a moment that tells people to stop, express gratitude and value what they’ve got.

Where is Thanksgiving celebrated With Full Enthusiasm?

United States (Most Popular Celebration)

All about Thanksgiving (Image: Canva)

The USA celebrates Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November.

Highlights include:

*Grand family feasts are organised with the main dish turkey (a roasted chicken seasoned with fats, herbs, liquid or sometimes stuffing). Other dish includes mashed potatoes, sweet potato, corn (Maize), Squash, green beans, cranberries and more.

*Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York

* NFL football games

* The next day after Thanksgiving, the Black Friday shopping sale adds more enjoyment.

For many families, it is even more sentimental than Christmas, making it one of the biggest holidays for Americans.

Canada celebrates Thanksgiving earlier than the USA

Canada celebrates Thanksgiving earlier than the USA—on the second Monday of October.
Reasons: Earlier harvest season and Cooler climate. Canadians enjoy family dinners, outdoor activities, and autumn festivals.

ALSO READ: Happy Thanksgiving Day 2025: Share 30+ Captions On WhatsApp, Instagram And Facebook

Other Countries Celebrating Thanksgiving

All about Thanksgiving (Image: Canva)

Though traditions differ, the message of gratitude remains the same. While not as grand as the US and Canada, some countries celebrate similar gratitude festivals:

Germany

Germany marks Erntedankfest - its Harvest Thanksgiving - to show gratitude to God for the harvest and blessings for the last year, usually with parades or worship gatherings.

Japan

Japan observes Labour Thanksgiving Day every year on November 23, to honour work, labourers and productivity, while showing gratitude among people for their hard work.

Brazil

Brazil celebrates Thanksgiving Day the same as the USA on the fourth Saturday each November. This habit started back in 1949 when Brazilian President Gaspar Dutra returned from a trip to America, bringing the idea with him.

Liberia

In Liberia, a West African country, Thanksgiving happens every year on the first Thursday of November. It was introduced here by freed American Slaves. People mark the day with gatherings at churches, after a big feast (which includes roasted chicken and cassava). The whole thing’s about showing gratitude and freedom.

ALSO READ: Happy Thanksgiving 2025: Best Wishes, Messages, Greetings And Captions For Reels To Share With Family, Friends And Close Ones

Grenada

In a Caribbean country, Grenada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on October 25th in memory of the 1983 invasion by a U.S.-led coalition that restored order after a coup, allowing people to give thanks for peace and democracy.

Philippines

Due to American colonisation, the Philippines used to celebrate Thanksgiving on the same day as the United States. Although it is no longer a recognised public holiday, some families still host traditional, private dinners to express gratitude.

Meaning and Traditions of Thanksgiving

All about Thanksgiving (Image: Canva)

* Thanksgiving is a special day to show gratitude for food, family and blessings

* People volunteer for charities and donate meals

* Autumn leaves and pumpkins are used to decorate homes.

* Special desserts are made, such as pumpkin pie and apple pie.

* Thanksgiving emphasises the value of thankfulness and community.