BOOK IT NOW Turkey! Forget the Snow—This Year, It’s Sand, Sun, and Stuffing with a Tropical Twist
Imagine trading in the chilly November winds and bustling kitchens for warm island breezes and crystal-clear waters. Spending Thanksgiving in the U.S. Caribbean islands, like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, offers the best of both worlds: a traditional American holiday mixed with the vibrant, tropical charm of the Caribbean.
Picture yourself savoring a turkey feast with a side of mofongo or seafood, all while watching the sunset over the ocean. Whether you’re craving cultural festivities, beachside dining, or a laid-back holiday, the U.S. Caribbean is the perfect destination for a Thanksgiving unlike any other!
Spending Thanksgiving in the U.S. Caribbean islands offers a perfect blend of traditional American holiday customs with the laid-back, tropical vibes of island life. Here’s how you can celebrate Thanksgiving in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands:
Puerto Rico:
- Traditional Feast with a Puerto Rican Twist: Puerto Ricans celebrate Thanksgiving much like the mainland U.S., but with a flavorful twist. You’ll still find turkey on the menu, but it’s often accompanied by local favorites like pernil (roast pork), mofongo (mashed plantains), arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), and a sweet flan dessert. Many families blend both American and Puerto Rican dishes in one epic feast.
- Festivities and Events: Puerto Rico hosts parades, music festivals, and community gatherings in honor of Thanksgiving. Resorts and restaurants offer special menus, often served with live music and beachfront views, allowing you to enjoy a festive yet tropical Thanksgiving.
U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix):
- Thanksgiving in the Islands: In the U.S. Virgin Islands, Thanksgiving is celebrated with many of the same traditional American foods, but local flavors sneak in, such as seafood dishes like conch fritters or grilled lobster paired with sides like Johnny cakes and potato stuffing. It’s a perfect mix of Caribbean and American culinary traditions.
- Native American Heritage Month: Thanksgiving coincides with the islands’ celebration of Native American Heritage Month. On St. John, you might experience cultural performances, art, and festivities that highlight the history and contributions of indigenous peoples in the region.
- The Annual Thanksgiving Jump Up: In St. Croix, Thanksgiving leads to the “Jump Up” festival around late November or early December. The streets come alive with music, food, dancing, and moko jumbie stilt walkers, making for a lively post-Thanksgiving celebration.
Unique Island Thanksgiving Experience:
- Beachside Feasts: Forget cold weather—on these islands, you can enjoy your Thanksgiving meal while watching the waves lap onto the shore. Many beachfront restaurants serve special Thanksgiving dinners, allowing you to combine the holiday with a tropical getaway.
- Outdoor Adventures: If you want to balance out the feast, the islands offer plenty of ways to spend the day outdoors, from snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to hiking in lush national parks. It’s a perfect way to embrace the island lifestyle while celebrating the holiday.
Spending this holiday in the U.S. Caribbean islands allows you to maintain the American tradition with a relaxed, sunny twist!
Did you know?
Here’s a fun fact: In Puerto Rico, Thanksgiving coincides with preparing for the island’s epic Christmas season, one of the longest in the world! Right after your feast, you might hear the sounds of parranda, the Puerto Rican version of caroling, where groups of friends surprise each other with lively holiday music at night. So, if you’re in Puerto Rico, you’re kicking off an extended holiday party!
A little history:
Thanksgiving celebrations in the U.S. Caribbean islands, like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are traced back to American influence in these territories. After Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory in 1898, American holidays, including Thanksgiving, were adopted but quickly blended with the islands’ rich cultural traditions.
The U.S. Virgin Islands, purchased from Denmark in 1917, followed a similar path. Over the years, Thanksgiving in these islands evolved to include Caribbean flavors, with traditional turkey feasts combined with local dishes like roast pork, plantains, and seafood, creating a unique fusion of American and Caribbean cultures.
