Thanksgiving Day in Canada ― Date, History, and Details
Thanksgiving Day in Canada may be something you want to learn more about, and we want to help with that.
Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of Thanksgiving Day in Canada and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of Thanksgiving Day in Canada and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. It is a national holiday in Canada, and is also celebrated by Canadians of all backgrounds and religions.
The origins of Canadian Thanksgiving can be traced back to the early days of European settlement in North America. The first Thanksgiving feast was held by explorer Martin Frobisher and his crew in 1578, to give thanks for their safe arrival in Newfoundland.
Other early celebrations were held by French settlers in Nova Scotia and by English settlers in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
The modern Canadian Thanksgiving tradition began in 1879, when Parliament declared it a national holiday.
Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to get together and give thanks for the blessings of the past year. Many people also use the long weekend to do some fall-related activities, such as visiting pumpkin farms and going for hayrides.
On Thanksgiving Day, many Canadians enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings, including stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.