Five Latino Alternatives for Your Thanksgiving Feast

Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, is a traditional American feast. However, many Latino families who live here in the States celebrate it as well and, in most cases, adopt the recipes of their countries of origin to prepare the special dinner for that day

Although the traditional main course for Thanksgiving is turkey, Latino families often add condiments, garnishes and other delicacies that are typical of their country of origin. The gastronomic world offers an immense range of different possibilities, and here are some latino recipes that we’re sure you’ll love.

But before we jump into that, let’s first take a few moments to learn a little more about this special holiday where we gather around the table with our loved ones and give thanks for all the blessings we’ve received.

Latino dishes to delight the familia at Thanksgiving

1. Pernil (Leg)

Who says the star of Thanksgiving dinner has to be a roast turkey? In many parts of Latin America the hind leg or loin of a pig is marinated in garlic and adobo and slowly roasted until the meat is so soft it falls off the bone, and can be a different option for your Thanksgiving feast. 

2. Tamales de elote (Corn tamales)

As we’ve mentioned earlier, the native Wampanoag people taught the Pilgrims how to plant corn and, therefore, helped them survive in their new home. Tamales de elote, eaten in Mexico and Central America, can be made on this day by Latino families in the United States to honor the Thanksgiving story.

3. Pan de maíz con jalapeño (Jalapeno Cornbread)

Spice up your traditional meal by exchanging the usual bread or dinner rolls for a delicious cornbread with jalapeño and cotija cheese or spicy aged cheese, and give this holiday an original twist.

4. Arepas de calabaza (Pumpkin arepas)

Arepas represent us as Latinos because they are typical in several countries, especially in the southern part of the American continent. Our recommendation for this celebration is to prepare them by adding a bit of pumpkin puree to the dough or filling before placing them on the griddle.

5. Papas dulces con chipotle (Chipotle Sweet Potatoes)

Roasted sweet potatoes can have a savory Latin flavor if we add a little chipotle marinade. The best thing about this succulent side dish is that it’s easy to prepare and only contains five ingredients.

What does Thanksgiving mean?

Thanksgiving Day or “Día de Acción de Gracias” is a celebration of Christian origin and a holiday known throughout the world, celebrated annually in the United States and Canada, bringing families together to prepare and enjoy a hearty dinner, often with turkey as the protagonist and main course.

In the United States and Canada, originally, thanks were given for the harvest and it is a tradition that has been maintained until today.

Since when is Thanksgiving Day celebrated?

In North America, Thanksgiving dates back to the time of the Protestant Reformation and the arrival of the first pilgrims from England to the United States. According to historical data, it had its origin in Plymouth (in the current state of Massachusetts), in gratitude from the settlers to the natives of the Wampanoag tribe, for having taught them the techniques of growing corn, hunting and fishing. This allowed the colonist community to prosper after a time of famine and disease.

The origins of Thanksgiving in Canada go back to the early 17th century in New France, celebrating the end of the harvest season and sharing food with the First Nation people of the region. This custom became a tradition with the arrival of European immigrants– mostly Irish, Scottish and German- to Canada. It is now celebrated on the second Monday of October. 

Although it is mainly celebrated in North America and Canada, it has spread to some Latin American nations such as Puerto Rico, where there is a strong North American influence. 

How is Thanksgiving celebrated

In the United States, this holiday is celebrated in every home and is considered a non-working day. Families get together, usually at the home of one of the family members, prepare a dinner or banquet and say a prayer of thanks to God.

The traditional Thanksgiving meal consists of roasted turkey, accompanied with corn, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, candied yams, cranberry sauce and gravy (a kind of sauce made from the juices of the turkey), accompanied by pie, usually pumpkin or apple.

Annually, the president of the United States partakes in the “turkey pardon” ceremony, where the life of a turkey is spared. This ceremony began in 1963 with President John F. Kennedy.