Thanksgiving is not a traditional holiday in Brazil, but the concept of expressing gratitude and celebrating with loved ones is certainly not unfamiliar to Brazilians.
Popcorn, sweet corn cakes (bolos de fuba), and corn puddings are all popular treats. The drink of choice is, of course, cachaca; but Brazilian mulled wine is also a favorite.
Christmas is a big deal in Brazil. Much of the celebration takes place on December 24, when family and friends get together to eat, exchange gifts, and attend midnight mass.
Grandfathers and uncles are also celebrated. The family might attend mass together and then celebrate at a restaurant or with churrasco, the famous Brazilian barbecue.
The food is an integral part. Ideally, snacks are portable, so you can view the parades while you eat. Some of the most popular carnival treats include:
Brazil is a diverse country with a variety of regional cultures and traditions. Each region has its own unique way of celebrating and expressing gratitude.
While Brazil does not officially celebrate Thanksgiving, many citizens have adopted the American tradition and choose to observe the holiday on the same day as the US.
Like other holidays in Brazil, it may involve going to mass or prayers for loved ones. The dinner is very similar, usually with a turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, etc.
One important difference is that there are no cranberries in Brazil. Instead, Brazilians make a sweet compote with jaboticaba, a berry similar in size and taste to the cranberry.
As you can see, the spirit of gratitude, togetherness, and festive food is very much a part of Brazilian culture, and not limited to one day of the year!
We hope you are celebrating with those dear to you this season, and that you stop by one of our Texas de Brazil restaurants for an unforgettable Thanksgiving meal.