Thanksgiving is a cornerstone of American culture, a day to gather with loved ones, reflect on gratitude, and share a feast of turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Yet, for Americans living in Spain, the holiday presents a unique challenge: it’s just another ordinary day for everyone else. Schools remain open, stores bustle with holiday shoppers preparing for Christmas, and the words ‘Black Friday’ are more familiar than the concept of Thanksgiving itself. We spoke to some U.S. expats to find out how they celebrate Thanksgiving in Spain.

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Thanksgiving in Spain: A Unique Experience for U.S. Families

Thanksgiving traditions are steeped in history, dating back to the Pilgrims’ 1621 feast with the Wampanoag people. It’s a day of togetherness, parades, football games, and iconic dishes that evoke feelings of home. Many Americans in Spain recreate this atmosphere by hosting Thanksgiving dinners, often with a mix of locals and expats. While turkeys are available in some supermarkets, finding cranberry sauce or the ingredients for pumpkin pie can be a scavenger hunt.

‘It’s a little surreal to celebrate here,’ says Sarah Miller, an American teacher in Madrid. ‘The ingredients are different, and the vibe is more low-key, but gathering friends who’ve become like family makes it special.’

The Challenges of Celebrating Thanksgiving in Spain

For many, Thanksgiving highlights the distance from family and home. ‘It’s tough not being with my parents and siblings,’ admits Tom Jenkins, who’s working remotely in Valencia. ‘But I try to focus on the positives, Spain has such a warm culture, and I’ve built connections that make it easier.’

Children, too, may struggle with the lack of recognition for what they know as a significant holiday. Parents often introduce traditions to help them feel connected, whether by sharing the story of the first Thanksgiving or encouraging them to express gratitude.

Bringing Thanksgiving to Spain: A Day of Gratitude Away from Home

Celebrating Thanksgiving in Spain can also be an opportunity to share American culture. Inviting Spanish friends to a traditional dinner is a chance to explain the holiday’s significance and bond over the universal theme of gratitude.

Some expats find comfort in enjoying Spain’s traditional foods. ‘I made turkey with Spanish spices and served jamón and Manchego as appetizers,’ shares Lisa Harper, who lives in Barcelona. ‘It felt like a fusion of my two homes.’

Making Thanksgiving in Spain Special

While Thanksgiving in Spain may lack the fanfare of Macy’s parade or the familiar buzz of family-filled kitchens, it offers a space to reflect and adapt. Whether celebrating with other expats, sharing the tradition with Spanish friends, or simply carving out a quiet moment of gratitude, it’s a reminder that the spirit of Thanksgiving transcends borders.

As Sarah Miller puts it, ‘Thanksgiving is about being thankful for what you have, no matter where you are. And in Spain, that feels especially meaningful.’

We spoke to a family from the U.S. currently living in Spain, who have been documenting their journey on Instagram. Although they’re traveling back to the U.S. for this Thanksgiving, they’ve shared helpful tips on how to enjoy the holiday when you’re away from home. They’ve learned to create a sense of tradition and connection, even while far from their extended family. ‘As an American family living in Madrid, Spain, Thanksgiving was difficult as it was just another Thursday with no special celebration. And so one of the ways that we chose to celebrate the togetherness of Thanksgiving this year was to collaborate with ‘9 Lives’, the American pie company in Madrid, to host local Spanish families as well as American expats living in Madrid. Through this collaboration, we enjoyed a night of fellowship, Thanksgiving pies and laughter. We’re learning that although the people may be different than family back in the U.S., the whole goal of Thanksgiving is togetherness. That can easily be achieved in Spain or other countries abroad too.’

Check out their Thanksgiving post here

Final Thoughts on Thanksgiving in Spain: Finding Gratitude, No Matter Where You Are

While Thanksgiving isn’t celebrated in the same way in Spain, it’s starting to catch on in some places. Many schools now talk about the holiday and encourage messages of thanks. Irish pubs often offer special Thanksgiving menus and sometimes even live music to help U.S. expats celebrate. It’s a reminder that no matter where you are, there’s always a way to connect with the spirit of the holiday.

If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving in Spain, or even if you’re in the U.S., we’d love to see how you’re marking the occasion. Tag us on social media with your Thanksgiving celebrations, and let’s share in the gratitude together. Wishing everyone a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving, we are grateful for your support!

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