Thanksgiving Day

The exact historical origin of the Thanksgiving Day is uncertain. Although the Americans commonly believe that Thanksgiving first took place at Plymouth Plantation, in Massachusetts, in 1621. In Canada, also, there is strong evidence for earlier celebrations in 1578 and in 1565 by Spanish explorers in Florida. Moreover, Thanksgiving Day is also observed in Leiden, the Netherlands. In the island of Grenada, there is a different holiday however which is celebrated at a similar time of year using the same name.

In the United States:

Thanksgiving is observed on the every fourth Thursday of November. The holiday is celebrated in remembrance of the pilgrims and in order to give thanks.

2010 - Thursday, November 25^th

2011 - Thursday, November 24^th

2012 - Thursday, November 22^nd

2013 - Thursday, November 28^th

In Canada:

The Canadian Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday of the month (the reason for the earlier date in October is their earlier harvest occurring farther to the north).

The Canadian holiday comes from different traditions although it is now meant to convey thanks for their harvest.

2010 - Monday, October 11^th

2011 - Monday, October 10^th

2012 - Monday, October 8^th

2013 - Monday, October 14^th