Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, but there are many other holidays celebrated in other countries where people give thanks and celebrate what they are thankful for — whether that’s good health, having food and shelter, or enjoying the company of friends and family.
Here are seven celebrations from around the world that embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving.
1. Thanksgiving (Canada)
Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday in October. On this day, Canadians give thanks for the harvest and express their blessings for the past year. Families come together and feast on a turkey dinner, just like we do in the United States. Also as in the U.S., Thanksgiving gifts for hostesses include desserts, gift baskets, and flowers.
2. Mid-Autumn Festival (China)
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. The Chinese believe the moon is at its brightest and roundest on this day. During this festival, family and friends gather to express their feelings about one another and offer sacrifice to the moon. The traditional dessert for the Moon Festival is moon cake, a delicacy that consists of a doughy crust surrounding a filling of sweet lotus paste and salted duck eggs.
3. Chuseok (Korea)
Chuseok, also known as Hangawi, is a day of giving thanks in Korea celebrated in late September and early October. On this holiday, families come together to feast, share stories, and pay respects to their ancestors. The celebration also consists of dancing and dressing in traditional Korean costumes.
4. Dia de Ação de Graças (Brazil)
Brazil has its own Thanksgiving, known as Dia de Ação de Graças (the day of thanks), which falls on the fourth Thursday of November. On this day, Brazilians express gratitude and appreciation for all God’s blessings, as well as for the plentiful harvest throughout the year. Like in the U.S., Brazilians enjoy a big turkey dinner on this day. Unlike in the U.S., Brazil also celebrates its version of Thanksgiving with colorful and vibrant carnivals throughout the country (unless you count our parades, which aren’t quite the same thing).
5. Erntedankfest (Germany)
The German harvest festival of Erntedankfest is celebrated in September or October. The day is filled with lots of music, dancing, parades, and sometimes even fireworks. Instead of a turkey, Germans feast on chicken and plenty of fruits and vegetables from the harvest.
6. Vaisakhi (India)
In India, farmers in the states of Punjab and Haryana celebrate a harvest festival called Vaisakhi (also known as Baisakhi). Usually falling in the middle of April, Vaisakhi is a time for people to thank God for their harvest and prosperity, and pray for another year of success. They celebrate by praying at the gurdwara (temple), having family gatherings, and having the big “melas” (carnivals).
7. Sukkot (Israel)
Sukkot is one of the most important holidays on the Jewish calendar. It is a holiday when farmers give thanks to God for the harvest. Sukkot is celebrated five days after Yom Kippur, on the 15th of Tishrei, and lasts for seven days. During this festival, devout observers build and live in a “sukkah” — a hut-like structure topped with branches and leaves — to give thanks.
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