Does Mexico Celebrate Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving Guide (2023)
Does Mexico have a Thanksgiving celebration? You’ve found the right guide!
I’m an American travel blogger based in Mexico. I’m here to inform you what exactly this traditional celebration is observed in Mexico.
In this post on my blog, I’ll be providing all the information regarding Thanksgiving in Mexico and the Mexican culture. This guide including whether it is an official holiday in Mexico and how the locals observe it.
If you’re an expat from another country who’s just been granted entry into Mexico, or you plan to be in Mexico for vacation over the Thanksgiving holiday, I’ve got you covered.
Check out this article to learn all you must know about the Thanksgiving holiday celebrated in Mexico!
Read Also: Does Mexico Celebrate Halloween?
Does Mexico observe Thanksgiving?
It’s not an official celebration in Mexico and isn’t celebrated widely by Mexicans. However, many American and Canadian expats reside in Mexico and still celebrate Thanksgiving by enjoying traditional Thanksgiving dinners and gatherings.
In addition, certain establishments in popular tourist destinations provide Thanksgiving specials or traditional Thanksgiving dinners.
Suppose you’re traveling to Mexico for a vacation this Thanksgiving weekend. In that case, you can attend the Thanksgiving feast in your resort, hotel, or a local restaurant serving American tourists.
What is Mexican Thanksgiving called?
The meaning for Thanksgiving in Spanish is ” Dia de Accion de Gracias,” or “Day of Giving Thanks” in English. The holiday is not celebrated in Mexico in the same manner and customs observed in America. United States.
Read Also: Christmas in Cancun
Certain Mexicans know this celebration as an American custom. They might recognize the day as an opportunity to show gratitude or commemorate blessings, but it’s not an official holiday celebrated widely in Mexico.
Thanksgiving in Mexico is usually a small meal or a gathering with the family, as it is across America. US and Canada.
When is Thanksgiving observed in Mexico?
Mexican Thanksgiving Day is observed on the same day it is celebrated in the United States: the fourth Thursday in November.
As previously stated, Thanksgiving isn’t a nationwide holiday, and many Mexicans may need to be made aware of Thanksgiving Day.
Canadian Thanksgiving is also observed by Canadian expats living in Mexico on the second Monday of October.
Who is the Thanksgiving celebrant in Mexico?
The holiday of Thanksgiving in Mexico is usually enjoyed by the expat community. Mainly American expats and citizens, Canadian expats, expats and immigrants from different countries that speak English.
The majority of Mexicans do not observe Thanksgiving. However, they can participate in Thanksgiving celebrations when invited by friends from abroad or colleagues.
Thanksgiving Celebrations in Mexico
Mexican Thanksgiving celebrations are often reminiscent of traditional Thanksgiving traditions from Canada or the United States or Canada.
Many expat communities meet to celebrate Thanksgiving dinners and potlucks with family and friends and often cook traditional Thanksgiving meals like turkey as the main dish and stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.
Many expats who live in Mexico prefer to add their Mexican spin on Thanksgiving by mixing traditional Mexican recipes and flavors in their Mexican Thanksgiving dinner.
Similar to the Thanksgiving celebrations held in the US. The Thanksgiving celebrations in Mexico usually involve sharing what you’re thankful for and eating delicious Thanksgiving treats such as pumpkin or pecan pie.
Furthermore, many restaurants in tourist areas such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cabo typically offer special Thanksgiving meals or traditional Thanksgiving dinners for travelers and expats who want the taste of home.
Decorate for the harvest season with fall-themed decorations like pumpkins, leaves and flowers from the region could be seen on tables at restaurants in Mexico at this time of year.
For the majority of Mexicans, Thanksgiving Day is an ordinary day. They might need to be made aware of the holiday or its customs, and it’s not a day that is celebrated with elaborate food or social gatherings.
Where can you celebrate Thanksgiving in Mexico?
Suppose you’re in search of Thanksgiving celebrations in Mexico. In that case, it is likely to be found in major tourist areas in Mexico, such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos.
In these towns that are tourist destinations, some restaurants provide special Thanksgiving meals or traditional Thanksgiving dinners for visitors.
Some restaurants may even offer complete Thanksgiving meals that can be ordered and picked up for delivery and avoid the hassle of cooking or cleaning!
Furthermore, expat communities can have potlucks for Thanksgiving or dinners. Contact with forums or expat groups within your local area could bring you to the idea of a Mexican Thanksgiving feast or a celebration. Keep an eye on events for Thanksgiving on Facebook groups for expats.
Also, when you’re with family or friends celebrating Thanksgiving too, get with them in your vacation home to celebrate Thanksgiving at your home!
What is the food they eat on Turkey Day in Mexico?
Since Thanksgiving isn’t celebrated widely in Mexico. it’s not a tradition to eat traditional dishes and foods that Mexicans generally consume on Thanksgiving Day.
For Thanksgiving dinners for expats and gatherings, meals such as turkey and mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, green bean casseroles, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie could be served.
In certain instances, Mexican Thanksgiving dishes may be added to the main meal or integrated into Thanksgiving meals, such as turkey enchiladas, roast pork, and chorizo pumpkin soup. Mole or cranberry salsa with chipotle spicy peppers.
This is a unique way to enjoy the rich heritage that is part of Mexican traditions and dishes while also celebrating the traditions of Thanksgiving.
Are Mexican Thanksgiving meals available in Mexican supermarkets?
It is possible to find Thanksgiving items, including canned pumpkins or boxes of stuffing mix, at the supermarkets in Mexico such as Walmart, Chedraui, or Costco.
However, most of them need help finding the ingredients. I looked for canned pumpkin in Playa del Carmen a few years ago but could not find it!
TIP: If you see any of these Thanksgiving-related food items at the grocery store in Mexico. It is recommended to get your supplies in order since these items may be gone in a flash!
Thanksgiving meals that are fully prepared, such as turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, could get better results in a restaurant, a specialty shop, or an international baker.
There’s a German bakery in Playa del Carmen called Das Brot, which typically sells pumpkin pies, but it is important to place your order before the time!
Thanksgiving in Mexico: FAQs
Here are the solutions to the top questions asked about Mexican Thanksgiving celebrations:
What is the name of turkeys in Mexico?
In Spanish, Turkey translates into “pavo.”
Which countries celebrate Thanksgiving?
Alongside other countries, including the United States and Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated in Liberia and a few Caribbean islands (such as Grenada and Saint Lucia).
Countries like Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom also celebrate Thanksgiving. However, they are not observed on the same day as the Thanksgiving holiday on the continent of North America.
Does Mexico have a holiday similar to Thanksgiving?
Mexico doesn’t have an official holiday similar to Thanksgiving. The people of Mexico call the holiday an American holiday, which translates into “Dia de Accion de Gracias.”
Certain Mexicans know this day as an occasion to offer more thanks. But it’s celebrated in different religious traditions than in the United States and Canada.
Does Mexico celebrate Black Friday?
Black Friday is not widely celebrated in Mexico. Yet, Mexico has a similar annual sale event called “Buen Fin,” which usually occurs on the weekend before Thanksgiving.
Many Mexican stores participate with Buen Fin and offer sales and discounts like Black Friday in the United States.
In addition, certain American retailers with stores in Mexico may also be part of Black Friday sales.
It has become increasingly well-known in recent years as shopping online continues to grow in popularity.
Conclusion: Mexico Thanksgiving Guide
This Turkey Day in Mexico guide helped answer your questions regarding the traditions of Thanksgiving and the celebrations that take place in Mexico.
Thanksgiving in Mexico might not be celebrated like in Canada, the United States, or Canada. However, there are still occasions to spend time with friends, family members and loved ones and have traditional Thanksgiving meals with recipes or Mexican flavors.
The holiday is particularly for expats. However, Mexicans can also observe it as a day of offering thanks and recognizing the good fortunes from the past year.
If you’re preparing to travel to Mexico for Thanksgiving. You will likely see some Thanksgiving celebration in your resort, hotel or a local restaurant to enjoy dinner. Mexican holiday dinner.
You’ll also have the chance to taste some Mexican foods that are a part of the Mexican Thanksgiving meal.
Although Mexico isn’t a typical place to observe Black Friday on the day following Thanksgiving. You should be aware of similar sales events such as Buen Fin for pre-Thanksgiving shopping bargains! Happy Thanksgiving!
