Thanksgiving In Austria: A Cultural Celebration?

While Thanksgiving is a well-known holiday in the United States, it is not unique to the country. In fact, other countries, including Austria, have their own versions of the holiday, which are rooted in similar values of gratitude and celebration.

Erntedankfest: a rural festival of thanks celebrated in Austria, Germany and Switzerland

While Austria does not celebrate Thanksgiving, it does have its own equivalent holiday called Erntedankfest, which is also celebrated in Germany and Switzerland.

Erntedankfest, or "harvest festival of thanks", is a primarily rural celebration held in churches across the three German-speaking countries. It takes place in late September or on the first Sunday of October to celebrate a good year and good fortune. The festival is held to thank God for the gifts of the harvest, with residents holding church services, throwing parades, and playing music. It often begins with a procession and the presentation of the Erntekrone (harvest crown) in the morning, followed by musical performances, dancing, food, and an evening service. The day typically ends with a lantern parade and fireworks.

While turkey is a popular dish during Thanksgiving in the US, during Erntedankfest, people may opt to eat Masthühnchen (broiler chickens), die Poularde (hens), die Gans (geese), or der Kapaun (castrated roosters). However, in recent decades, turkey has become quite popular in German-speaking countries as well.

Unlike Thanksgiving, Erntedankfest does not have the same emphasis on travelling long distances and gathering with family. It is mostly contained within rural areas, and most people throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland may never experience it unless they actively seek it out.

Austrians in US: how Austrians living in the US celebrate Thanksgiving

Austrians in the US: How Austrians Living in the US Celebrate Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a well-loved American holiday, but it is also celebrated internationally, including by Austrians living in the US. While Austria does not officially celebrate Thanksgiving, the country does observe Erntedankfest, a similar holiday that takes place in early October.

Erntedankfest

Erntedankfest, or "harvest festival of thanks," is celebrated in German-speaking countries, including Austria, and shares similarities with the American Thanksgiving. It is a primarily rural celebration held at churches across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The festival usually involves a procession and the presentation of the Erntekrone (harvest crown), followed by musical performances, dancing, food, and an evening service. It often culminates in a lantern parade and fireworks. While turkey is not traditionally served during Erntedankfest, it has gained popularity in recent decades.

Austrians in the US

Austrians living in the US may choose to celebrate Thanksgiving in various ways, depending on their personal preferences and connections to American culture. Some Austrians in the US may fully embrace the American Thanksgiving traditions, such as cooking a traditional Thanksgiving meal, spending time with loved ones, and even participating in the YMCA Turkey Trot. They may also incorporate Austrian influences into their celebrations, such as adding Austrian dishes to the Thanksgiving feast or sharing their holiday traditions with others.

For some Austrians in the US, Thanksgiving can be a time to connect with other Austrians living in the country. They may attend events organized by Austrian communities or share their experiences and cultural perspectives with fellow Austrians. This can create a sense of belonging and provide an opportunity to exchange insights about their host country.

Additionally, Austrians in the US may use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to teach others about their home country's traditions. For example, an Austrian teaching in an English class in Baden bei Wien shared their knowledge of both Austrian and American Thanksgiving celebrations, allowing students to gain a new perspective and enriching their understanding of different cultures.

Overall, while Austrians in the US may not officially celebrate Thanksgiving in the same way as Americans, they can choose to observe it in their own unique ways. They may blend American and Austrian traditions, connect with other Austrians abroad, or use the holiday as a chance to educate others about Austrian culture, creating a multicultural and meaningful celebration.

Thanksgiving food: what people in Austria eat for Thanksgiving

While Thanksgiving is not a traditional holiday in Austria, some Austrians do choose to celebrate it, especially those with connections to the US. One key part of Thanksgiving is the food, so what do people in Austria eat when they celebrate the holiday?

One person who celebrated the holiday in Austria said that they had a hard time finding a turkey in an Austrian grocery store, but they did manage to find a small one to cook. They also made apple pie.

Austrians also have their own holiday similar to Thanksgiving, called Erntedankfest, or "harvest festival of thanks". This holiday is celebrated in early October, and while it does not have the same emphasis on travelling long distances and gathering with family, it does involve eating. Traditionally, Erntedankfest features feathered centrepieces such as die Masthühnchen (broiler chickens), die Poularde (hens), die Gans (geese) and der Kapaun (castrated roosters). However, in recent decades, turkey (Truthahn) has become quite popular.

Thanksgiving activities: what Austrians do on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a quintessential American holiday, but that doesn't stop Austrians from joining in on the celebrations. While Austria doesn't officially celebrate the US Thanksgiving, many Austrians have their own traditions and ways to mark the occasion.

Erntedankfest

The Austrian holiday most similar in spirit to Thanksgiving is Erntedankfest, or "Harvest Festival of Thanks". This festival, celebrated in German-speaking countries, including Austria, is a day to give thanks for a good year and good fortune. It is primarily a rural celebration, held in churches across the country. Erntedankfest usually takes place in early October and is often an all-day event, starting with a procession and presentation of the Erntekrone (harvest crown), followed by musical performances, dancing, food, and an evening service. The festivities culminate in a lantern parade and fireworks. While turkey is becoming more popular, traditional Erntedankfest meals feature other feathered centrepieces such as chickens, hens, geese, and castrated roosters.

An American-Style Thanksgiving

Austrians with connections to the US, such as Fulbright Austria alumni and grantees, often celebrate Thanksgiving with a traditional US-style feast. This may include attempting to source and prepare classic Thanksgiving dishes, such as turkey, and sharing stories and perspectives about their cultural significance. This can be a great opportunity for Austrians and Americans to come together, share their traditions, and build community.

Post-Dinner Activities

After indulging in a big Thanksgiving meal, many Austrians, like Americans, enjoy getting some fresh air. One popular activity is going for a long walk or hike to take in the beautiful Austrian scenery. With its stunning Alpine landscapes, Austria offers no shortage of picturesque hiking trails to choose from.

So, while Thanksgiving may not be an official holiday in Austria, that doesn't stop Austrians from embracing the spirit of the day and coming up with their own unique ways to celebrate.

Thanksgiving in other countries: how Thanksgiving is celebrated in other countries

Thanksgiving is celebrated in various countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Saint Lucia, Liberia, Brazil, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Japan, Grenada, China, and India. While the traditions and dates of celebration vary, they all share a common theme of giving thanks and gratitude. Here is how some of these countries celebrate Thanksgiving:

Canada

Canadian Thanksgiving, or "Action de Grâce" in French-speaking Quebec, is celebrated on the second Monday in October. This date was established in 1957 by the Governor General of Canada, who proclaimed it as a day of general thanksgiving for the country's bountiful harvest. The holiday has roots dating back to 1578 when explorer Martin Frobisher and his crew held a feast to express gratitude for their safe return from an arctic journey. Today, Canadians celebrate with a feast similar to the American Thanksgiving, although with some unique dessert options like flaky butter tarts filled with raisins, walnuts, or pecans.

Liberia

Liberia is the only other country besides the United States that officially celebrates Thanksgiving on the first Thursday of November. The holiday marks the founding of the nation by freed American slaves in 1822. The day usually includes a church service, followed by a family meal or a day of rest and relaxation. While there are no specific traditional foods, a typical Liberian meal might include staples such as rice, yams, collard greens, and cassava.

Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

These three countries celebrate Erntedankfest, or "Harvest Festival of Thanks," which is similar in concept to American Thanksgiving. It is primarily a rural celebration held in late September or on the first Sunday of October. The festival includes church services, parades, musical performances, dancing, and a lantern parade to culminate the festivities. While turkey is gaining popularity, traditional Erntedankfest meals feature various types of poultry, such as chickens, hens, geese, and castrated roosters.

The Netherlands

The city of Leiden in the Netherlands has a unique connection to Thanksgiving due to the Pilgrims who briefly stayed there before heading to the New World. Each year, the residents of Leiden commemorate this history with a non-denominational service honoring the Pilgrims' perseverance. Cookies and coffee are served, reflecting a different take on the traditional Thanksgiving feast.

Japan

Japan celebrates "Labor Thanksgiving Day" or "Kinrõ Kansha no Hi" on November 23rd. This holiday is more similar to Labor Day in the United States, as it honors the workers in the community. Local labor festivals are held to raise awareness of human and environmental rights issues, and children make crafts for labor workers such as police officers and firefighters.

These are just a few examples of how Thanksgiving is celebrated in other countries, showcasing the universal appeal of gratitude and community during this special time of year.

Frequently asked questions