Latinos on Thanksgiving

On this occasion, we know that you are probably busy preparing for Thanksgiving. As you know, this holiday is one of the biggest in the US, dating back to 1621 when a celebration was held in Plymouth, in what is now the state of Massachusetts. In gratitude for a good harvest, the pilgrims recognized that they had survived thanks to the help of the Native Americans. They thanked God and shared their food with the Wampanoag tribe, who had helped the pilgrims by giving them seeds and teaching them how to fish.

However, it must be said that the history of Native Americans has been one of massacres, defeats, and resistance.

Latinos in the United States have adapted this celebration and given Thanksgiving, or El Día de Acción de Gracias as it is called in Spanish, our own touch, style, and flavor.

Each Latino culture adds its own flavors. For example, instead of cranberries, the traditional turkey may be accompanied by mashed potatoes with rice, turkey stuffed with ground beef, tamales, mole, or beans.

In addition to gathering with family, we take the opportunity to get together with friends of other nationalities.

Although this national celebration does not take place in our countries of origin, we have adapted and adopted this holiday. The truth is that Thanksgiving aligns perfectly with values deeply rooted in Latin culture, such as gratitude, the importance of family, and a sense of community.

On this day, many families give thanks for the blessings they have received.

Luis Alberto Valentan, organizer and leader of the Day Laborers Network, reflects on this holiday.

The reality is that for many Native American communities and tribes, this date is a source of pain, but also a reminder of a history of resistance.

Luis Valentan also explains how he adapts this day to his life to give thanks that as migrants we survive each day of struggle and work in this country.

This is a story with two perspectives, that of the colonizers and the colonized, and today it shows us that we must continue working for a society that celebrates diversity, equity, and justice.

And although our roots may be different, we take the essence of Thanksgiving, and there is a common ground, which is gratitude for life, health, and the good people who are close to us.

I give thanks on this day for you, our listeners, for your solidarity and for always accompanying us, for listening to us.

Have a great Thanksgiving Day. Enjoy the company of your friends and family on Thanksgiving.