IS THANKSGIVING A HOLIDAY IN MEXICO?
By Kenda Ruck
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. I love to put on a cozy sweater, look outside at all the colorful fall leaves, and smell my giant turkey that has been roasting in the oven for hours. Friends and family always came to my house, and we did it up right with heaps of creamy mashed potatoes, fresh corn, homemade bread, and every kind of pie you could imagine.
Thanksgiving celebrations in Los Cabos, Mexico, look a little different from those in the United States and Canada due to cultural and regional variations. Here are a few reasons why Thanksgiving celebrations may look different in Los Cabos:
1. Cultural Differences: Mexico has its own cultural and historical traditions, and Thanksgiving is not a traditional Mexican holiday. While some Mexicans may celebrate Thanksgiving, the holiday doesn’t have the same historical and cultural significance as it does in the United States and Canada.
2. Climate: Los Cabos, located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, has a warm and sunny climate. Unlike the colder temperatures in many parts of the United States and Canada during late November, Los Cabos typically experiences warm weather. Cacti and palm trees do not change colors, and turning on the oven for hours to bake turkey and pies is less appealing when it is warm outside.
3. Culinary Traditions: Traditional Thanksgiving meals in the United States and Canada often include turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Turkey is not always easy to find in Cabo, though in recent years, more grocery stores have started carrying them. They can be pricey and scarce, but if you are committed, you can find one. Plan to shop around for the Thanksgiving fixin’s too.
4. Tourism Influence: Los Cabos is a popular tourist destination, and the presence of Canadian and US visitors can influence the way Thanksgiving is celebrated. Resorts and hotels may offer special Thanksgiving-themed events or meals to cater to their diverse clientele (both Canadian and United States Thanksgivings are recognized in many places).
If you go out to dinner in Los Cabos, where Mexican cuisine is prevalent, the Thanksgiving menu might incorporate local flavors and ingredients. Chefs may choose to blend traditional American dishes with Mexican cuisine. A lot of restaurants here have started presenting special Thanksgiving menus; however, they will have a more Mexican flare.
The most important thing to remember about Thanksgiving is a spirit of gratitude and time with friends and family. These are both ideas that we have in abundance in Los Cabos. Whether you decide to celebrate at home, or try a local chef’s take on the traditional meal, you can’t go wrong.