Discover Thanksgiving around the world

Giving thanks for a bountiful harvest is one of humanity’s oldest traditions. Across cultures and continents, people have long gathered to express gratitude for nature’s abundance, often through festivals centered around food. In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, when families come together to enjoy a feast of roast turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, and pumpkin pie. But America’s holiday is just one version of a global story. In this article, we take a look at Thanksgiving around the world, from rice festivals in Asia to harvest celebrations in Europe and beyond. These cultural events may differ in menu and timing, but they all share the same spirit of appreciation for the gifts of the earth.

Dia de Ação de Graças, Brazil: 4th Thursday in November

Inspired by his time in the U.S., a Brazilian ambassador was so impressed with Thanksgiving that he brought the tradition home with him; turkey, stuffing, and all. As one example of Thanksgiving around the world, Dia de Ação de Graças is celebrated across Brazil with hearty family feasts, often remarkably faithful to the American version. While you might expect a Latin American twist, the menus typically stick close to classic Thanksgiving fare, showing the enduring influence of its northern neighbor.

Mehregan, Iran: 2nd October

Rooted in ancient Zoroastrian traditions, Mehregan is a Persian harvest festival with history stretching back to the time of Persepolis. Originally a grand celebration of both the harvest and the monarchy, it also coincided with the season of tax collection, a detail that may have muted the festivities a bit. Modern Mehregan is marked with rich symbolism and lavish displays. Families set ornate tables with apples, pomegranates, dried herbs, silver coins, and frankincense burners. Rituals include dressing in new clothes, applying eyeliner before eating, sipping sweet sherbet, and even scattering seeds over relatives’ heads as a blessing.

Mid-Autumn Festival, China and Vietnam: Late September/early October

Also known as the Harvest Moon Festival, this important celebration is observed in China and Vietnam, falling on the 15th day of the 8th month in the Chinese lunar calendar. It honors the full moon and marks the end of the rice harvest. Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival is second only to Chinese New Year in significance. Families in both countries gather outdoors to enjoy mooncakes, light colorful lanterns, and marvel at the glowing moon, a celestial symbol of reunion and gratitude.

Homowo, Ghana: May

The name Homowo, which means “to hoot at hunger,” originates from a time of hardship among the Ga people of Ghana. Following a devastating drought and famine, the community began celebrating when the rains returned and the crops thrived. Today, Homowo is one of Ghana’s most vibrant festivals. It kicks off with lively drumming, dancing, parades, and the ceremonial planting of maize. Interestingly, after the initial festivities, drumming is paused for an entire month, a tradition believed to promote a successful harvest.

Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, Argentina: Early March

Argentina’s premier wine festival, La Vendimia, celebrates the grape harvest in grand style. While the official festival is over 80 years old, its roots go back more than three centuries. The festivities kick off in late February with the Blessing of the Fruit, followed by a dazzling parade of “Reinas”, beauty queens representing each of Mendoza’s 18 departments, riding through town on elaborately decorated floats. Dancers, gauchos, and musicians join in, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show and the crowning of the festival queen.

Rtveli, Georgia: Late September/early October

In Georgia, where wine has been part of life for over 8,000 years, Rtveli is a deeply meaningful harvest celebration. This joyful tradition honors the grape harvest with gatherings big and small across the country. Families and communities come together to pick grapes, crush them by hand, and feast on homemade dishes paired with their treasured wine. Music, toasts, and heartfelt thanks are shared, a beautiful culmination of a year’s hard work in the vineyard.

Make it happen

From moonlit festivals in Asia to grape harvest parades in South America, Thanksgiving around the world takes many fascinating forms. Our hand-picked local experts are ready to share the very best of their cultures, and they can craft a trip tailored to your interests, making your own celebration of gratitude truly unforgettable.