Mexican thanksgiving

By Jessica Carrenza and Iresema Del Castillo

People are looking forward to Thanksgiving to enjoy turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green beans, and pumpkin pie. In Hispanic homes however, different preparations are made according to their country of origin.

For example, Peruvians don't usually eat turkey; they make their traditional food which includes papa a la huancaina, a potato type salad; causa, tuna and potato casserole-type dish; and aji de gallina, a rice and chicken dish. 

Mexicans usually tend to go with ham, tamales, or pozole, a soup made with pork and lots of vegetables. “My parents invite my family, and we have a big dinner, and also eat turkey. What I like about this holiday are the games that we play as a family,” says Erica Barragan, first generation Mexican-American. Games are popular evening activities after dinner.

Chileans eat savory empanadas, a baked pot pie with chicken or beef. 

Some Hispanics go out to eat at a restaurant rather than the traditional American Thanksgiving dinner. Kendra Delgado, Peruvian sophomore says, "I went to Idaho with my family, and we ate in a restaurant, and we ate different kinds of food.”

Bolivian Vania Bernal said, "I remember last year, I went to California to see my family, and we have a big dinner but we didn’t eat turkey, we ate chicken; it was really good.” 

Hispanics don't consider Thanksgiving to be a major holiday. (In fact, turkey is usually reserved for Christmas celebrations in many Latin communities). In their home countries, there are many other celebrations that honor specific people and things. American Thanksgiving can seem like "just another day off of school." However, whether it be a day for American football or Latino Soccer and no matter what people eat, where they gather, or what culture they celebrate, their main purpose for that day is to show gratitude for what they have and celebrating the people they are with.