Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday that has captured the imagination of the public worldwide, because of its special cuisine and customs. Being a holiday that is only celebrated in the North American countries of Canada and the USA, many cities have unique traditions that have added to the beauty of this festival. Certain modern additions such as store discount sales and special promotions have only heightened the excitement.
In the United States Thanksgiving is usually celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, which puts it firmly in the colder winter period. It is thought that the traditions of this festival were brought to the Americas by immigrants from England who relived the English harvest festival that gained importance during the Protestant reformation of Europe. Traditionally the festivities mimic a dinner held by Pilgrims in 1621, American still try to replicate the same food even centuries after.
In popular culture the Thanksgiving holiday has been depicted as being associated with American Football, this is probably because the National Football League has several games scheduled on this particular day which is referred to as the Thanksgiving Classic. In addition parades are also an integral part of the tradition; in Chicago the McDonalds’ Thanksgiving Parade takes centre stage. It is held in downtown State Street every year starting at 8 AM. The parade has a long history in the region with the first one being organized in 1934. Today the parade is the centerpiece of celebrations in Chicago with thousands participating and millions of television and live viewers.
Though many see Thanksgiving as a time for family and togetherness, travelers staying in a Chicago luxury Hotel can also take part in the festivities. Many of the downtown restaurants and five star hotel Chicago such as The Peninsula Chicago host traditional Thanksgiving dinners and lunches. Food is also an important aspect of this holiday with many of the dishes being native to the United States. Highlight of any dinner table at this time of year is of course roast turkey with stuffing, other Thanksgiving staples are mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet corn, cranberry sauce and of course the American desert favorite Pumpkin Pie.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
