Next Thursday, November 28, the United States celebrates Thanksgiving Day, one of the most important holidays in this country where billions of families gather to show their gratitude for food, freedom and unity.
In fact, Thanksgiving, which is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November, marks the beginning of the Christmas season, and one of the most notable activities of the holiday in addition to Thanksgiving dinner are the parades.
If you are about to travel to the United States for the Thanksgiving parade on Thursday, November 28, we tell you which cities have the best parades, in addition to Macy’s in New York City.
With more than 100 floats, various shows and popular marching bands, the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade attracts thousands of people during Thanksgiving.
Without a doubt, the HEB Thanksgiving Parade, in Houston, Texas, is one of the most popular due to the giant balloons, musical performances and elaborate floats, which travel more than 20 city blocks.
The city of Plymouth, in Massachusetts, is ideal to enjoy Thanksgiving Day, as it stands out for its large parades and performances where all participants dress as Native Americans, pilgrims, soldiers and patriots.
The Detroit Thanksgiving Parade is a great celebration full of history, where marching bands fill the entire city with incredible melodies. In addition, the dance teams organize wonderful choreographies.
The annual Thanksgiving Day parade in New Orleans is led by the Grambling Marching Tigers, and the Southern Human Jukebox, dominated by student marching bands and also military units.
The Dunkin’ ABC Thanksgiving Parade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the oldest in the country, and features wonderful choirs, dancers, colorful floats, and gigantic balloons.
How has the meaning of Thanksgiving evolved over the years?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Thanksgiving Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to our special Thanksgiving edition! Today, we have a great expert on the history and cultural significance of Thanksgiving in the United States. Please welcome Dr. Emily Carter, a historian and author focused on American holidays. Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss one of my favorite subjects.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in! Thanksgiving is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November. Can you tell us a bit about how this tradition began?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely! Thanksgiving has roots that trace back to early 17th-century colonial times. The most widely recognized celebration occurred in 1621 when Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a harvest feast. This was a way to give thanks for the bountiful harvest and establish a spirit of cooperation, which is an important aspect of this holiday.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating how a historical event has transformed into a national holiday. What do you think makes Thanksgiving stand out compared to other holidays?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thanksgiving uniquely emphasizes gratitude and togetherness. Families gather, often traveling long distances to share meals and express their appreciation for one another, food, and the freedoms they enjoy. It’s a pause in a busy life to reflect and connect, which gives it a distinctive warmth.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of meals, food plays a central role on Thanksgiving Day. What are some of the traditional dishes that people typically enjoy?
Dr. Emily Carter: Turkey is, of course, the star of the show! It’s often accompanied by stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Each region of the U.S. has its variations; for example, Southern families might include fried chicken or pecan pie, showcasing local flavors and cultures.
Time.news Editor: That sounds delicious! There’s often a variety of customs surrounding how Thanksgiving is celebrated. Can you talk about some different ways people observe this holiday?
Dr. Emily Carter: Certainly! While many people focus on the family meal, some engage in community service, volunteering to help those in need during this time. Parades, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, have become a cherished tradition that marks the start of the holiday season for many. Others might choose to watch football or simply enjoy a peaceful day reflecting on what they’re thankful for.
Time.news Editor: It’s heartwarming to see how people engage with the holiday in so many ways. As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, what do you hope people take away from the holiday?
Dr. Emily Carter: I hope people really take the time to reflect on gratitude—not just for material possessions but for loved ones and community support. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s important to pause, appreciate, and acknowledge the connections we share with others.
Time.news Editor: Wise words, Dr. Carter. Before we wrap up, any final thoughts or tips for making this Thanksgiving special?
Dr. Emily Carter: I suggest starting your own family tradition, whether it’s a gratitude jar where people can write down what they’re thankful for, or exploring new recipes together. The essence of Thanksgiving can be found not only in what we eat but in how we cherish one another and build memories together.
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Carter! It has been a pleasure having you here, and your perspective truly enriches our understanding of Thanksgiving.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Time.news Editor: Happy Thanksgiving! And to our readers, may your celebrations be filled with love, gratitude, and delicious food. Until next time!