Celebrating Thanksgiving 2024: History, Traditions, and Modern Observances

The Día de Acción de Gracias, or Thanksgiving Day, is a traditional holiday in the United States celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. This year, it falls on November 28, 2024. The holiday is dedicated to expressing gratitude for the blessings received throughout the year, typically spent with family and friends, and holds significant importance in American culture, often rivaling the importance of Christmas or New Year’s Eve.

The origins of Thanksgiving date back to 1621 when English colonists, known as the Pilgrims, who arrived on the Mayflower, celebrated a successful harvest with the indigenous Wampanoag tribe. This event, though idealized in folklore, marked the beginning of what would later become a national tradition. However, it wasn’t until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, initially setting it on the last Thursday of November. In 1941, Congress fixed the celebration on the fourth Thursday of November, solidifying its place in the modern calendar.

Thanksgiving is characterized by traditional meals, with the centerpiece being roasted turkey, often referred to as the “Día del Pavo.” Other common dishes include mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, and pumpkin pie. The day is also marked by public events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, which has been a tradition since 1924, and watching NFL football games.

Beyond the meal, Thanksgiving involves various activities. Many families attend parades, watch football games, and engage in cultural events. The following day, known as Black Friday, is renowned for significant discounts in department stores, marking the beginning of the holiday shopping season.

In terms of business and commerce, most stores and supermarkets operate on reduced hours or remain closed on Thanksgiving Day. For instance, Walmart, Target, Costco, and Sam’s Club will be closed on November 28, 2024, and will reopen the next day for Black Friday.

Despite its widespread celebration, Thanksgiving is not without controversy. Some communities, particularly indigenous groups, observe the “National Day of Mourning” to reflect on the historical conflicts and injustices that followed the European colonization of the Americas.