Discover the Global Heart of Thanksgiving: Unexpected Travel Origins
Thanksgiving is America's beloved holiday, celebrated with relaxed family gatherings, hearty meals, football, and no gift-giving stress. Its origins date to 1621, when Pilgrims in Plymouth, Massachusetts, shared a harvest feast with the Wampanoag people—and reportedly learned to catch eel.
For many Americans, the holiday means heading home. To truly connect with its core, however, consider traveling farther afield.
Namesake Origins: Plymouth, England
While the first American Thanksgiving occurred in Plymouth, Massachusetts, its namesake lies across the Atlantic. Lonely Planet author Belinda Dixon describes Plymouth, England, as gritty yet vibrant—home to the Mayflower Steps, departure point of the iconic Mayflower in 1620. The port also launched expeditions by Sir Francis Drake, Charles Darwin, and Captain Cook. Experience its maritime heritage with a £3 return ferry to Mount Batten.
Thanksgiving Turkey: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
The North American turkey's name remains a mystery. As an NPR report explains, 'turkey' referred to exotic imports from afar, like the guinea fowl from West Africa (once called 'turkey coq'). In Abidjan, savor it as flavorful kedjenou at Galerie Kajazoma, a top eatery in the capital. Note: Cranberries aren't on the menu.
The Iconic Hat: El Camino de Santiago, Spain
The distinctive 'Pilgrim hat'—resembling a Nike swoosh in its cultural impact—evolved from the 'sugar loaf' or capotain, worn on the ancient pilgrimage route El Camino de Santiago. Buckles were a later 17th-century addition, post-dating the first Thanksgiving. (See my video with live cows for more on the hat.)
The Parade: Philadelphia
Though New York's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade dominates headlines, Philadelphia's is America's oldest, dating to 1920. Now the 6abc IKEA Thanksgiving Day Parade, it marches down Benjamin Franklin Parkway—named for the Founding Father who championed the turkey as the national bird.
