Thanksgiving, celebrated every fourth Thursday of November in the United States, is gaining ground in Europe, particularly in France and Switzerland. This holiday, which emphasizes gratitude and sharing, attracts families and friends, seduced by its convivial spirit and its emblematic gastronomy. In Switzerland, poultry suppliers are noticing an increase in demand for turkeys, particularly in Zurich and Zug, a sign of growing interest in this tradition. This phenomenon is not limited to a simple imitation of American culture, but responds to a universal need to come together, as Dr. Konrad Kuhn, a specialist in cultural sciences, points out.
In France, Thanksgiving is gradually becoming established, driven by the attraction to world cuisine and the cultural references conveyed by American series and films. Initiatives emerge each year, such as dinners between friends, nicknamed “Friendsgiving”, where guests share a roast turkey, cranberry sauce or even traditional pies. This craze is part of a change in festive habits in Europe, already marked by the adoption of Halloween. Thanksgiving, without its historical religious or cultural context, becomes a secular and culinary celebration, centered on conviviality and sharing.
This growing adoption of Thanksgiving in Switzerland and France reflects social and family developments. Modern family models, often blended, find in this celebration an opportunity to recreate ties. Even expatriates or people far from their families make it a celebration of inclusion. In a globalized context, Thanksgiving adapts to local sensibilities while remaining faithful to its universal message: expressing gratitude and generosity around a warm meal.
