Why do the Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on October 13? What to know about the tradition in Canada

Pretty much since the first European explorers set foot in what is today Canada, there have been Thanksgiving celebrations. Like Canadians’ counterparts south of the border, these were not necessarily held every year and took place on different dates during the year.

Typically, these events were used to celebrate something to be thankful for, a particularly bountiful harvest, the end of a drought or victory in a war, for example. The Thanksgiving, or Action de Grâce in the French-speaking province of Quebec, holiday was formalized in Canada in 1879 and has been celebrated every year since.

However, the official date was changed several times over the years until in 1957 it was established as the second Monday in October, although many households choose to have their big meal on Sunday. Likewise, now a specific theme is chosen every year for which to be thankful.

What do Canadians eat on Thanksgiving?

Like Americans, conventional Canadian feasts across most of the nation typically consist of “turkey, gravy, potatoes, squash and rolls, with cranberry sauce on the side and pumpkin pie for dessert,” explained Andrew McIntosh, senior subject editor with The Canadian Encyclopedia to Yahoo! Style. However, just like in the United States there are regional variations to the dishes that are served.

For example, in Newfoundland you’ll find on the table a Jiggs dinner, which is “a stew made with salted meat that’s similar to corned beef, along with vegetables like potatoes, cabbage, carrot and turnip.” On the other hand, on the West Coast, ham is commonly served.

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