No Thanksgiving in Italy? Here’s Why the Holiday Isn’t Observed

Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday in the United States, characterized by family gatherings, delicious feasts and giving thanks for life’s blessings.

However, while Americans carved their turkeys, watched football and prepared for Black Friday, Italians went about their usual activities.

Why doesn’t Italy celebrate Thanksgiving?

The answer lies in history, culture and tradition.

This article explores the reasons for the absence of Thanksgiving in Italy and how Italians deal with gratitude and celebration in their own unique way.

1. The historical roots of Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving, as celebrated in the United States, has its roots in the 1621 harvest banquet at Plymouth Rock, where the Pilgrims gave thanks for their first successful harvest in the New World.

This holiday, shared with Native Americans, later evolved into a national holiday of gratitude, which became official in 1863 under President Abraham Lincoln.

Italy, on the other hand, has a very different history. Unlike the United States, which has a fundamental narrative about colonization and settlement, Italy’s cultural and historical identity is shaped by ancient civilizations, the Roman Empire, the Renaissance, and centuries of regional traditions.

Italy has never experienced the kind of colonial history of Pilgrim settlement that led to Thanksgiving.

Therefore, the specific historical context that gives rise to Thanksgiving Day simply does not exist in Italy.

2. Italian cultural holidays and traditions

Although Italy does not have a Thanksgiving holiday, the country is rich in other celebrations centered on family, food, and gratitude.
Italians are very proud of their cultural heritage, and many holidays reflect religious significance or honor national and regional traditions.

Some of the most significant holidays in Italy are:

Christmas:
The Christmas season is the most important time for family gatherings in Italy, somewhat like Thanksgiving in the United States. Italians gather for elaborate meals, often with multiple courses and traditional dishes such as panettone and torrone.

Ferragosto (Aug. 15): This mid-summer vacation celebrates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, but it is also a time for families to celebrate with beach trips and picnics.

It is one of the major national holidays in Italy and can be seen as somewhat similar to the holiday spirit of Thanksgiving.

All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1):

Known as All Saints’ Day, this day is dedicated to honoring all saints and deceased loved ones.

Italians visit cemeteries to pay their respects, followed by family gatherings, but the tone is more solemn than the joyous Thanksgiving holiday.

These holidays, deeply rooted in Italian Catholic traditions, often supersede the need for an additional celebration such as Thanksgiving.

3. The importance of gratitude in Italian culture

Gratitude is a central theme of Thanksgiving Day, but this does not mean that Italians lack opportunities to express their gratitude.

Italians celebrate gratitude in small, everyday moments, particularly through their strong family ties and the importance attached to food.

Meals in Italy are often seen as a way to bring people together, share stories and appreciate life’s pleasures.

Family meals in Italy are often large and extended, where multiple generations gather around a table to share traditional dishes.

The act of preparing and sharing food is seen as an expression of love and gratitude, not only on holidays but also in daily life.

For Italians, there is a “Thanksgiving-like” atmosphere whenever the family gets together, whether it is Sunday lunch or a special occasion.

4. The Influence of Globalization

While Thanksgiving remains an American holiday, globalization has brought some elements of the celebration to Italy. Thanks to the widespread influence of American culture, Italians in major cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence are becoming more familiar with Thanksgiving traditions. Some restaurants, particularly those catering to American expatriates and tourists, even offer special Thanksgiving dinners with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

However, Thanksgiving has not been widely adopted by the general population, as it doesn’t resonate with Italy’s historical or cultural context. For most Italians, the fourth Thursday of November is just another day—though the growing popularity of Black Friday, which follows Thanksgiving, is becoming a familiar phenomenon in Italian cities.

5. Black Friday in Italy: A Tangential Connection

Though Thanksgiving hasn’t taken root in Italy, one of its modern by-products has found increasing popularity—Black Friday. Originating in the U.S. as the shopping day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday has spread to Italy in recent years, becoming a major shopping event. Italian retailers have embraced the sales frenzy, with discounts offered both in stores and online, often leading to crowded malls and a surge in consumer spending.

However, this commercial aspect hasn’t brought with it the deeper, family-centered tradition of Thanksgiving itself. Italians may enjoy the discounts and shopping excitement of Black Friday, but for most, there is little connection to the holiday that precedes it in the U.S.

6. How Italians Living Abroad Celebrate Thanksgiving

For Italians who have moved to the United States or Canada, Thanksgiving often becomes a meaningful holiday. It provides an opportunity to adopt new cultural traditions while still honoring their Italian roots. Many Italian-Americans celebrate Thanksgiving by incorporating Italian flavors into the traditional menu—think turkey served alongside pasta al forno or pumpkin pie with a touch of amaretto.

Similarly, expatriate communities in Italy, particularly Americans, often host their own Thanksgiving celebrations. These gatherings serve as a way to connect with home and share a bit of American culture with Italian friends and neighbors.

7. Conclusion: No Need for Thanksgiving in Italy

Thanksgiving is deeply tied to American history and values, and while it’s a time for family, food, and gratitude, these themes are already well-celebrated in Italy through its own holidays and traditions. Italians don’t celebrate Thanksgiving simply because their culture doesn’t need an extra day for giving thanks—they do so regularly, through everyday family meals, religious celebrations, and their rich tapestry of holidays.

As globalization continues to bring different cultures closer together, Thanksgiving may become more familiar in Italy, but for now, Italians prefer to celebrate life’s blessings in their own uniquely Italian way.