THANKSGIVING DAY IN MEXICO AND BEYOND

                                                                                                                            

Although Thanksgiving is traditionally regarded as an American holiday, this festive occasion is becoming increasingly popular in Mexico. This is partly due to the influence of the roughly 1 million American residents who have emigrated from the U.S. to Mexico. And it’s also inspired by the many native Mexicans who have returned home after spending time in the United States of America.

Colorful and yummy traditional food

But while Mexican Thanksgiving traditions are similar to those of America, there are some specific details that are unique to Mexico. In Mexico, Thanksgiving is a religious holiday. It is seen by the Mexican people as a time to give thanks to God for all of the blessings they have been granted throughout the year.

More Mexican Thanksgiving food to die for!

The Thanksgiving holiday also arrives just days after Revolution Day (Dia de la Revolución), an important Mexican holiday that commemorates a 10-year revolution waged against dictator Jose de la Cruz Porfirio Díaz Mori. Revolution Day is typically celebrated the first Monday after November 20th, with food, parades, and fireworks. This festive atmosphere carries into the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Just like in America, Mexican Thanksgiving celebrations are traditionally themed to reflect the harvest season. Common decorations include fall leaves, pumpkins, assorted fruits, regional flowers, and autumn-inspired color scheme. The Mexican Thanksgiving meal is rich in foods that are typically found in the area. There are some similarities to the American Thanksgiving fare but with a colorful, spicy Mexican flair.

A SERIOUSLY HANDSOME AND YUMMY TURKEY! 

While many families do eat the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, others will instead opt for a traditional dish like marinated roast pork. If there is turkey on the table, you may find that it is prepared in a green mole or with spicy chipotle peppers. Turkey enchiladas are also popular in some regions.

                         CHORIZO PUMPKIN SOUP                

Other foods commonly found at a Mexican Thanksgiving feast include chorizo pumpkin soup and candied pumpkin. Instead of cranberry sauce, you may find cranberry salsa with cilantro and chiles. Cranberries are sometimes hard to locate, however,  so the local kumquat may be substituted.

Cranberries

                             

         

CHORIZO

                           

TAMALES

These handsome turkeys in Monterrico, the black sand beach on the Pacific coast of Guatemala, were lucky that they were not in the United States for Thanksgiving festivities that very day.

This turkey looked pretty chill and I found this Pacific coast area of Guatemala wonderful.

A local wild turkey in Guatemala, a rainbow of gorgeous colors. Que guapo you are!

Thank you for joining me in this Thanksgiving blog posting and wishing you well wherever you may be. Gobble, gobble!

See note below:

Chilling out in Monterrico after visiting the turkeys

Note: The town of Monterrico is situated on the Pacific coast of Guatemala in the department of Santa Rosa. It is known for its volcanic black sand beaches and the annual influx of sea turtles. The town also serves as a major weekend beach resort for citizens of Guatemala City. We enjoyed visiting there and fell in love with the chill vibe and I would love to return one day.