Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and sharing meals, but living abroad can make this cherished American holiday feel distant. For Americans residing in Spain, celebrating Thanksgiving is entirely possible, even if you are far from home.
With a little creativity and some local flair, you can recreate this holiday and enjoy it with family, friends, or fellow expats. Here’s how to bring the Thanksgiving spirit to your Spanish home and make it a day to remember.
Recreate Thanksgiving traditions in Spain
Thanksgiving traditions revolve around food, loved ones, and gratitude. Fortunately, these elements transcend borders. Whether you’ve lived in Spain for years or recently moved, here’s how to capture Thanksgiving’s essence:
- Host a potluck dinner: If finding all the ingredients for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner seems daunting, organise a potluck. Invite friends or fellow expats to contribute dishes. This way, you can combine flavours from back home and Spain.
- Express your thanks: Thanksgiving is about gratitude. Consider writing down what you’re grateful for and sharing it at dinner. If you’re celebrating with Spaniards, they may enjoy learning more about this tradition and may even join in!
Find Thanksgiving ingredients in Spain
A classic Thanksgiving dinner includes turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Though some ingredients might be challenging to source in Spain, there are workarounds:
- Where to buy turkey: Many Spanish supermarkets offer whole turkeys, especially in November. Check with local butchers if you want a fresh bird. Alternatively, larger chains like Mercadona, Carrefour, or El Corte Inglés often stock turkey during this season.
- Substitutes for American ingredients: Cranberries are rare in Spain, but you can use cranberry jam (mermelada de arándano), often found in gourmet sections. You will also find it in English supermarkets such as Iceland Overseas. For pumpkin pie, canned pumpkins may not be readily available, but fresh pumpkins are common. Simply roast and puree for a homemade version.
- Specialty stores and online shops: Look for imported American food stores in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Websites that ship internationally, like Taste of America, often carry Thanksgiving essentials.
Incorporate Spanish flavours for a unique twist
Living in Spain offers a chance to add local flavours to your Thanksgiving meal:
- Appetisers with a Spanish touch: Begin your meal with tapas-inspired starters like jamón ibérico, manchego cheese, and olives. These additions can offer a taste of Spain while keeping the spirit of Thanksgiving alive.
- Spanish sides to complement the classics: Try adding roasted peppers or a classic Spanish tortilla as sides. They blend well with traditional Thanksgiving flavours and make your meal feel more integrated into your current surroundings.
- Spanish wines for Thanksgiving dinner: Spain is famous for its wines, and they pair beautifully with Thanksgiving dishes. Try a Rioja for red wine lovers, a full-bodied Tempranillo, or an Albariño if you prefer white. This local touch can make your Thanksgiving truly special.
Celebrate with friends and family – New and old
Celebrating Thanksgiving alone or with just a few people can feel less festive. Consider expanding your gathering:
- Invite Spanish friends for a cultural exchange: Sharing Thanksgiving with Spanish friends or neighbours can turn it into a rich cultural experience. Many Spaniards are curious about this American holiday, and it can be a chance for them to try Thanksgiving foods and learn about the holiday’s origins.
- Find local expat events: Many cities in Spain with American expat communities organise Thanksgiving events. Check local expat groups, social media, or community boards to see if any group gatherings are planned. These can be an ideal way to celebrate the holiday, meet new people, and enjoy a traditional meal together.
Stream the Thanksgiving Parade and football games
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or a football game. Here’s how to enjoy these holiday classics from Spain:
- Stream the Macy’s Parade: Many American TV networks offer live streams of the parade. With the time difference, you may have to watch it later in the evening, but it can still be a nostalgic addition to your holiday celebration.
- Catch the football games: Football games are also available through online streaming services. Though the time zone difference means games may be later, it’s a great way to end your Thanksgiving Day.
Bring Thanksgiving into your community
Consider sharing the Thanksgiving spirit with the community around you:
- Volunteer locally: Thanksgiving is a time to give back, and Spain offers opportunities for community involvement. Look for local volunteer organisations where you can donate time or food to those in need.
- Share leftovers: If you have more food than you can finish, share leftovers with friends or neighbours. Sharing food is a universal way to show gratitude and build community ties.
A Thanksgiving to remember in Spain
Celebrating Thanksgiving abroad may seem challenging, but with a little planning and openness to Spanish traditions, it can be a memorable and heartwarming experience. Thanksgiving in Spain allows you to celebrate American traditions, share the holiday with new friends, and even create new customs. Whether you enjoy a traditional turkey dinner or a fusion of Spanish flavours, the most important part is being thankful and spreading joy. Embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving and make it a holiday to cherish, no matter where in the world you are.