Filipinos Celebrate Thanksgiving 2024 with a Blend of Tradition and American Influence

BAYBAY CITY, Eastern Visayas, Philippines (WPS News) – Thanksgiving Day in the Philippines, observed on the last Thursday of November, offered a unique mix of American influence and Filipino tradition in 2024. While the holiday isn’t officially recognized in the Philippines, it has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among younger generations and those with Filipino-American ties.

For many Filipinos, Thanksgiving serves as an opportunity to express gratitude for blessings received throughout the year. Families gather for special meals, often featuring a combination of Filipino and American dishes. Turkey, a staple of American Thanksgiving, is sometimes present, but Filipino favorites like lechon (roasted pig), adobo (savory meat dish), and pancit (stir-fried noodles) typically steal the show.

The Chief, Cliff Potts, had set the culinary stage for a feast that could only be described as a global tour for your taste buds: TexMex Chili that might just challenge your ability to sweat, Italian Spaghetti smothered in a meat sauce so rich it could pay the bills, roasted chicken plucked right off the highway—I’m not asking questions—and a Visayan Pasta and Fruit Salad that seems like it was confused about what meal it wanted to be. And to wash it all down, he had the classic combo of Green Apple Vodka (because why not?), Coka Cola, and Sprite—perfect for the adventurous diner ready to make their stomach do a little jig!

Religious Filipinos often attend church services before or after their Thanksgiving meals, offering thanks for good health, family, and prosperity. Social media platforms in the Philippines buzzed with Thanksgiving greetings and photos of overflowing tables laden with delicious food.

The American influence on Filipino Thanksgiving celebrations extends beyond the menu. Decorations featuring pumpkins, turkeys, and fall foliage are becoming increasingly common. Thanksgiving sales and promotions are also finding a foothold in some Filipino businesses, offering discounts on imported goods and American-style food items.

However, the core of Filipino Thanksgiving remains deeply rooted in local traditions. The emphasis on family togetherness and expressing gratitude for blessings resonates strongly with Filipino values. Many families use this occasion to reconnect with loved ones living far away, either through video calls or by traveling to their hometowns.

While Thanksgiving may not be a national holiday in the Philippines, its growing popularity reflects the ongoing cultural exchange between the Philippines and the United States. It’s a day that allows Filipinos to appreciate American customs while celebrating with a distinctly Filipino flavor.

Thanksgiving 2025 is November 27, 2025, think about adding the dinner to your calendar this year.