Thanksgiving in Spain provides an opportunity to strengthen community bonds and foster cross-cultural connections. Photo credit: Zamrznuti tonovi/Shutterstock
Thanksgiving is an annual holiday that originated in the United States, primarily to celebrate the 1621 harvest feast between the Pilgrims who arrived on the Mayflower and the local Wampanoag Native Americans. After a harsh winter, the Pilgrims faced starvation, and the Wampanoag shared their crops and taught them to cultivate the land. This three-day feast marked the first Thanksgiving, celebrating survival, cooperation, and a successful harvest.
Today, it is synonymous with family gatherings, reflection, and feasting. This year Thanksgiving falls on Thursday 27.
In Spain it is know and Acción de gracias which translates as ”act of thanks”. While not an official holiday here, Thanksgiving has steadily gained recognition among expats and locals interested in international traditions. Late November has become a period when Spanish cities host Thanksgiving-inspired meals, combining cultural exchange with culinary experiences.
Where to Celebrate Thanksgiving in Spain in 2025
Cities Embracing the Tradition
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Madrid
- Hard Rock Hotel Madrid – special dinner on 27 November 2025
- InterContinental Madrid – traditional Thanksgiving menu
- Forbes House – seasonal feast including roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie
- Urso Hotel & Spa – Thanksgiving dinner with classic dishes
- Plademunt – El Restaurante Imaginario (Alcalá de Henares) – traditional Thanksgiving meal
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Barcelona
Other Regions Where Thanksgiving May Be Observed
Expats and local communities in Valencia, Alicante, Málaga, Sevilla, and the Canary Islands may also hold informal Thanksgiving gatherings. These often take place through English-speaking churches, expat social clubs, or international community centres. Coastal towns popular with North Americans, particularly on the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca or islands like Tenerife and Gran Canaria, sometimes host private dinners, potlucks, or community meals celebrating the holiday. While these celebrations may be smaller in scale, they provide opportunities for cultural exchange and maintaining traditions in Spain.
Traditional Meals and Customs
Celebrating at Home and Abroad
Thanksgiving meals typically include roasted turkey stuffed with herbs, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, gravy, and bread rolls. Pumpkin pie remains the classic dessert, often accompanied by pecan pie, apple pie, or spiced cakes.
Customs associated with Thanksgiving include gathering family and friends, sharing a meal, expressing gratitude, and decorating with autumn leaves, pumpkins, and candles. In Spain, the holiday provides a cultural bridge, allowing expatriates and locals alike to enjoy a historic tradition centred on gratitude, hospitality, and seasonal abundance.
Key Aspects of Thanksgiving in Spain
- Historical origin: Began in 1621 with Pilgrims and Wampanoag sharing a harvest feast.
- Core traditions: Family meals, gratitude reflections, seasonal decorations, and specific culinary dishes.
- Spanish adaptation: Celebrated mainly by expatriates and locals interested in American culture.
- Timing: Observed annually on the fourth Thursday of November, following the U.S. calendar.
- Traditional dishes: Roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed or sweet potatoes, green beans, pumpkin pie, and seasonal desserts.
- Other regions: Valencia, Alicante, Málaga, Seville, and the Canary Islands may host informal gatherings among expatriates and international communities.
North American expats in Spain can enjoy their traditional customs while experiencing local culinary creativity.
Beyond the Dinner Table
Beyond the meals and gatherings, Thanksgiving in Spain provides an opportunity to strengthen community bonds and foster cross-cultural connections. Many expatriates use the occasion to host friends and neighbours, sharing stories and traditions while introducing local guests to American customs. This exchange not only preserves heritage but also encourages understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
For families and communities, the day can also serve as a moment of reflection and giving back, with some choosing to support local charities or participate in community initiatives, echoing the holiday’s original spirit of cooperation and generosity. As awareness of Thanksgiving grows, even small towns across Spain are beginning to recognise the occasion, creating a subtle yet meaningful presence of this historic celebration throughout the country.
Ultimately, celebrating Thanksgiving in Spain offers a chance to connect across cultures, celebrate gratitude, and bring people together in meaningful ways that extend beyond the dinner table.
