{"id":2270,"date":"2025-09-03T07:42:33","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T07:42:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/?p=2270"},"modified":"2025-09-03T07:42:34","modified_gmt":"2025-09-03T07:42:34","slug":"celebrate-thanksgiving-in-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/celebrate-thanksgiving-in-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"How to celebrate Thanksgiving in Spain and enjoy your vacation while keeping the traditions alive"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>You\u2019ve decided to spend your Thanksgiving vacation in <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/discover-the-experience-of-tapas-in-spain-an-unforgettable-gastronomic-adventure\/\">Spain<\/a>, and now the key question is: how do you celebrate such a deeply home-rooted holiday in a country where it\u2019s just a normal day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maybe you\u2019re worried about feeling out of place, or that the absence of turkey and football will take away the heart of the celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news is you don\u2019t have to choose between your tradition and your adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because it\u2019s not about finding a substitute for what you left behind, but about creating a unique <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/the-origins-of-spains-top-10-dishes-what-to-eat-in-spain\/\">experience<\/a> that blends the best of both cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help you do just that, <strong>we\u2019ve put together a complete guide<\/strong> to not only help you find a place to eat turkey but also plan a trip that honors the spirit of gratitude in a truly unforgettable way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on to discover all the options that will help you create a memory that lasts a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Thanksgiving a holiday in Spain?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>No<\/strong>, Thanksgiving Day is not a national holiday or <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/top-5-cultural-festivals-in-spain-must-see-events-and-activities\/\">cultural<\/a> tradition in Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike other countries where everything stops so families can gather, here it\u2019s a regular weekday. Businesses, offices, and schools operate as usual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So if you\u2019re planning your trip for late November, don\u2019t expect to see parades or stores closing for the holiday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But you can still enjoy the opportunity to experience the local culture while also finding a way to celebrate in your own style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4 Ways to celebrate Thanksgiving while in Spain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though it\u2019s not a traditional holiday here, that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t find a corner where it feels like home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks to globalization, this holiday has crossed borders, and today, you have several options for celebrating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Restaurants with special menus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re in Spain and want to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, your best bet is to look for <strong>restaurants offering special menus<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/thanksgiving-special-menu.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2274\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/thanksgiving-special-menu.png 1000w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/thanksgiving-special-menu-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/thanksgiving-special-menu-768x511.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not unusual to find American-style restaurants, steakhouses, or even Irish pubs hosting themed dinners for the occasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These menus are often very complete and aim to replicate the traditional experience with dishes like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Roast turkey<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mashed potatoes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cranberry sauce<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stuffing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pumpkin pie<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, we recommend doing some research in advance, as these special menus usually <strong>require a reservation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Food websites, restaurant social media, or expat blogs are excellent sources to find these events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Themed events<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re not in the mood for a formal dinner at a restaurant, another great option is to join <strong>themed events<\/strong> organized in major <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/seafood-vs-traditional-valencian-paella-differences-and-best-local-places-to-eat\/\">Spanish<\/a> cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bars, especially American-style ones and hostels with an international vibe often <strong>host parties and special events<\/strong> for Thanksgiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These gatherings are a great way to meet new people, enjoy a festive atmosphere, and share stories with other travelers and expats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to find these events:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Social media<\/strong>: Platforms like Facebook or Meetup are perfect for finding expat groups or &#8220;Americans in Madrid\/Barcelona&#8221; where such events are posted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Event websites<\/strong>: Check local event listings or leisure websites. Search for terms like \u201cThanksgiving party,\u201d \u201ccena de Acci\u00f3n de Gracias,\u201d or \u201cexpat event.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hostels and bars<\/strong>: Many hostels and bars popular with travelers advertise their events on signs or chalkboards at the entrance. Don\u2019t hesitate to ask the staff<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>they usually know what\u2019s happening around town.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Attending one of these events lets you enjoy the festive spirit in a more relaxed and social way perfect for solo travelers or groups who want to feel part of a community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Host your own Spanish-Style Thanksgiving dinner<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you prefer a more intimate and personal celebration, a great idea is <strong>to host your own Thanksgiving dinner<\/strong> with a Spanish twist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/3-Carmen-_opcA-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"what to do in Granada\" class=\"wp-image-907\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/3-Carmen-_opcA-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/3-Carmen-_opcA-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/3-Carmen-_opcA-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/3-Carmen-_opcA.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traditional food from <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/15-must-do-activities-for-a-full-day-in-granada-the-ultimate-guide\/\">Granada<\/a> at Carmen&#8217;s house<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than sticking strictly to traditional American ingredients and dishes, adapt your menu using local, seasonal products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some ideas for inspiration:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Main dish<\/strong>: Swap the turkey for a Spanish classic. <strong>Roasted lamb<\/strong>, <strong>suckling pig,<\/strong> or <strong>even <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/the-culinary-treasures-of-spain\/\">paella<\/a><\/strong> are spectacular options that reflect Spain\u2019s rich <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/15-must-do-activities-for-a-full-day-in-granada-the-ultimate-guide\/\">culinary<\/a> tradition and are great for sharing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sides<\/strong>: Instead of mashed potatoes and stuffing, try \u201cpatatas a lo pobre,\u201d \u201cpimientos de Padr\u00f3n,\u201d or a seasonal salad with fresh local produce.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/discover-the-experience-of-tapas-in-spain-an-unforgettable-gastronomic-adventure\/\">Wine<\/a><\/strong>: Pair your meal with a good regional wine. Spain offers an incredible variety, from bold reds from La Rioja to fresh whites from R\u00edas Baixas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dessert<\/strong>: Replace pumpkin pie with a local sweet. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/the-origins-of-spains-top-10-dishes-what-to-eat-in-spain\/\">Churros<\/a> with chocolate<\/strong>, natillas, or a platter of Spanish cheeses and sweets make for the perfect ending to your feast.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This option not only allows you to celebrate the holiday in your own way but also invites you to explore and enjoy Spanish <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/seafood-vs-traditional-valencian-paella-differences-and-best-local-places-to-eat\/\">gastronomy<\/a> creating a new tradition that\u2019s entirely yours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group cta-blog is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Home-Cooked Spanish meal on a <strong>rooftop with La Giralda views<\/strong> in <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/where-to-eat-the-best-paella-in-seville-discover-the-authentic-flavor\/\">Seville<\/a> Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/go.sazontfk.com\/47vrRBN\">Book your experience<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Enjoy local culture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since Thanksgiving isn\u2019t a holiday in Spain, it\u2019s the perfect opportunity to fully immerse yourself in local life and enjoy the charm of the cities without the crowds typical of national holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/museos-madrid.png\" alt=\"museos-madrid\" class=\"wp-image-1668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/museos-madrid.png 1000w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/museos-madrid-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/museos-madrid-768x511.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While others are gathered at home, you can explore at your own pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Visit museums and monuments<\/strong>: Take advantage of normal opening hours at top museums (like the Prado in Madrid or MACBA in Barcelona) and landmarks (the <a href=\"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/when-is-the-best-time-of-year-to-visit-granada\/\">Alhambra<\/a> in Granada or the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona). With fewer tourists than on holidays, you can take it all in more calmly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stroll through the historic center<\/strong>: The city centers, full of life and local shops, will be buzzing but without the chaos of a shopping holiday. It\u2019s the perfect time to wander down alleyways, discover hidden corners, and relax on a terrace.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Experience early Christmas traditions<\/strong>: Although it\u2019s not Christmas yet, many cities are already getting ready. You can see Christmas lights being installed, the first holiday markets opening, or even enjoy the festive window displays in local shops.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This day offers a unique and authentic perspective on life in Spain showing that the best way to give thanks is to enjoy the moment and the culture that surrounds you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A unique experience awaits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you know how to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast in Spain why not do it in the most authentic way possible?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At Saz\u00f3n, we invite you to go beyond the restaurant and connect with the heart of our cuisine: the local cooks who, with love and wisdom passed down from their grandmothers and mothers, open the doors of their homes to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not just about trying a dish it\u2019s about having an unparalleled experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s your chance to sit at the table of a Spanish family, share laughs and conversations, live like a local for a few hours, and truly connect with our culture no filters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We encourage you, on this day of giving thanks, to join one of our experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Discover the real flavor of Spain with Saz\u00f3n The Folk Cook <\/strong>and create a memory that will last a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you ready for this culinary adventure?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group cta-blog is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Explore our experiences with <strong>local cooks.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/go.sazontfk.com\/4jFRtOt\">Book your experience<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You\u2019ve decided to spend your Thanksgiving vacation in Spain, and now the key question is: how do you celebrate such a deeply home-rooted holiday in a country where it\u2019s just a normal day? Maybe you\u2019re worried about feeling out of place, or that the absence of turkey and football will take away the heart of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":2273,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2270","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-food-experience"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2270","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2270"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2270\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2275,"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2270\/revisions\/2275"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2273"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2270"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2270"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sazonthefolkcook.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2270"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}