Let’s be honest: it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget to appreciate the little things. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to hit the pause button and reflect on the good stuff. It´s a time to reflect and come together with family and friends to celebrate the good things in life. While the roots of this American holiday are often tied to harvest and a shared meal, it has evolved into a time for gratitude, connection, and creating lasting memories.

Here in Spain, Thanksgiving isn’t really a thing. While we have our own rich set of traditions and holidays, the celebration of Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November hasn’t quite made its way into the mainstream. Nevertheless, we think it’s important to know what the holiday is about, why it’s celebrated, and share with you how EUROACE celebrates Thanksgiving in its own special way.

What is Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is a major holiday in the United States that goes back to the early 1600s. It was originally a harvest festival where pilgrims and Native Americans gathered to celebrate a successful harvest season. Over time, it’s turned into a national holiday all about giving thanks for the good things in life, enjoying a big meal with family and friends, and reflecting on what we’re grateful for.

Traditionally, families in the U.S. come together for a massive dinner, which usually includes turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. But it’s not just about the food. Thanksgiving is a time for people to step back from the everyday hustle and appreciate what they have, whether that’s good health, a supportive family, or simply the joy of being together.

Why should we care about Thanksgiving in Spain?

Even though Thanksgiving isn’t part of Spanish culture, it’s always good to learn about how other countries celebrate holidays and what they value. Understanding Thanksgiving can help us reflect on what we’re thankful for in our own lives—and in a year where so much can feel uncertain, focusing on gratitude can make a huge difference. Plus, learning about different cultural traditions can bring us closer to people from other parts of the world, making our communities more connected and open-minded. This is especially true at our school as we welcome a lot of US citizens to embark on our programs with us. It is really great to listen and learn about their culture and celebrate it with them!

Celebrating Thanksgiving in Valencia..

If you´re currently living in Valencia or just visiting, here are some ways that you can get into the spirit and properly celebrate Thanksgiving in Spain..

Host a Thanksgiving-Inspired Dinner

Gather a few friends or family members, and cook up a version of the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. While it might be hard to find all the exact ingredients in local stores, you can still make a festive meal with things like roast chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a good dessert. For example, Coca de Llanda, the Valenican dessert makes a great alternative to pumpkin pie!

Watch a Thanksgiving Movie or Show

If you’re a fan of American culture or just love a cozy movie night, why not watch a classic Thanksgiving movie? Whether it’s the traditional “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” or a modern comedy like Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, there’s something about these films that capture the essence of the holiday.

Join our Thanksgiving Party at EUROACE

Next Thursday, 28th November, Euroace is hosting its own Thanksgiving party. We have invited all of our students, interns and their plus- ones to celebrate Thanksgiving at our school with only one requirement: You must bring one piece of food or drink from your country –  whether it’s a traditional recipe, a family favorite, or just something small that represents your heritage.

The idea is to share a piece of your culture with the rest of us, and explore the rich diversity that makes our Euroace community so special. We’ll enjoy trying new foods and drinks, listening to music, and chatting about all sorts of things. It’s one of our favorite cultural activities, and we hope you can make it!

If you´d like to join our Thanksgiving party, please send us an email at euroace@euroace.net or a whatsapp at +34 699 79 57 51