Thanksgiving in America: A Filipino Diaspora Story
Thanksgiving in the United States is often painted with familiar images — golden turkeys, pumpkin pies, family gathered around a long table. For many in the Filipino diaspora, however, this holiday carries a deeper meaning: it becomes a bridge between cultures, a moment to honor both American traditions and Filipino values of family, gratitude, and community.
A Celebration of Gratitude
Filipinos have always embraced the spirit of pasasalamat (thankfulness). In America, Thanksgiving offers a chance to express this gratitude not only for blessings received, but also for the journey of migration, resilience, and the opportunities found in a new land. For many, it’s about giving thanks for the ability to provide for family back home, for the chance to build community abroad, and for the strength to carry heritage proudly.
The Thanksgiving table of a Filipino household often looks a little different. Yes, there’s turkey — but it might sit alongside lechon, pancit, lumpia, or bibingka. The blending of dishes tells a story: that traditions can coexist, and that food is one of the most powerful ways to keep culture alive. Sharing these flavors with American friends and neighbors becomes an act of cultural exchange, a way of saying, “This is who we are.”
For the diaspora, Thanksgiving is also bittersweet. Many families celebrate across distances, with loved ones in the Philippines joining only through video calls. Yet even in separation, the Filipino value of pagmamahal sa pamilya (love for family) shines through. Gratitude extends beyond the table — to the memories, the sacrifices, and the hope of reunion.
In true Filipino spirit, Thanksgiving is not just about receiving but also about giving. Many diaspora communities use this season to support local charities, send balikbayan boxes, or contribute to causes back home. Gratitude becomes action, and the holiday transforms into a reminder of shared responsibility.
For Filipinos in America, Thanksgiving is more than a holiday — it’s a celebration of identity. It’s about weaving together the warmth of Filipino traditions with the opportunities of American life. It’s about remembering where we came from, embracing where we are, and giving thanks for the journey that connects the two.
In every turkey carved and every pancit shared, the Filipino diaspora finds a way to honor both home and heritage.
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