A Multicultural Thanksgiving

By Yahaira Alvarez

When we think of Thanksgiving, what usually comes to mind is turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, and heaps of different casseroles. However, Thanksgiving is multicultural and families from different countries have put their own spin on the holiday with bold flavors, authentic ingredients, and recipes that have been in the family for generations. A cultured infused Thanksgiving is considered non-traditional but is one you surely wouldn’t want to miss.

Devam Patel and his family celebrating Thanksgiving last year.

Indian-American Thanksgiving
Indian-Americans have embraced the holiday and made it their own, with their unique traditions and family cultures, along with food and spending time with family, Thanksgiving is a day to embrace their culture and celebrate with flavorful dishes.   

For Devam Patel, 19 “growing up as an Indian-American, the holidays always looked different from how my friends celebrated,” Patel said as he described the difference in how Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. “Our family comes together and cooks traditional dishes like Pav Bhaji, and Mutter Paneer,” said Patel. He also mentioned how important it is for him and his family to reflect on what they’re grateful for. 

Pav Bhaji, a traditional dish from India

A Pacific Islander Thanksgiving

Being a different race in the United States can tend to be a struggle of balancing different cultures for some. For instance, Tilaima Paulo is an Asian/Pacific Islander American who says “Growing up, I almost felt pressured to choose a side, American or Samoan culture.” She and her family work to keep the American traditions, such as Thanksgiving while implementing their Samoan customs.

Panikeke, a traditional Samoan desert.

What stands out from the average Thanksgiving dinner for Tilaima is the countless amounts of food. Their entrees include mamoe (or baked lamb), Kalua Pork, or even Chop Suey. For Polynesian sides, they love to serve rice, taro, and fai. The more favored seasonal options include Balsami, Cocoa Rice, and Suafai.

Tiliama now says “I am grateful enough to grow up around a welcoming community and an open-minded family that never lost sight of their roots. It inspires me to hold onto these customs and share these traditions with friends and those around me. “

Tilaima and her family gather for their family reunion.

Regina and her family celebrating last years thanksgiving.

A Latinx Thanksgiving

While Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Latin America, many Latinx in the U.S. feel a special connection to the holiday and the day of gratitude. Latinos usually include traditional dishes from their countries into the holiday. Typically, Hispanics will tailor their Thanksgiving meals to meet the duality of their culture in the U.S. while paying tribute to their roots.

Regina Aguilar, 19 said “We’re people that like to celebrate life,” she said of the Latino community. “Thanksgiving is not something we have in the countries we come from, but it’s a spirit we can get into.” Instead of turkey, in her household, they will have Tamales or Pozole. Capirotada, a traditional Mexican dessert, is also prepared. In her family, they go around the table to give thanks, starting with the oldest and ending with the youngest

Pozole, a traditional Mexican soup.