History of Thanksgiving in Timeline
Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada, but also observed in other countries like Saint Lucia, Liberia, and parts of Europe and Australia. It traditionally falls in October or November and is rooted in giving thanks for the blessings of the harvest and the past year. While it has historical ties to religious and cultural customs, Thanksgiving is widely celebrated as a secular holiday, with similar harvest festivals occurring globally during autumn.
1909: Nabuco Observes Thanksgiving in Washington
In 1909, Ambassador Joaquim Nabuco witnessed Thanksgiving celebrations at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Washington, which later inspired him to suggest establishing a similar holiday in Brazil.
October 31, 1939: Roosevelt Changes Thanksgiving Date
On October 31, 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving to the next-to-last Thursday of November to stimulate the economy and extend the Christmas shopping season. This caused significant disruption and controversy.
December 26, 1941: Roosevelt Signs Joint Resolution for Thanksgiving Date
On December 26, 1941, President Roosevelt signed a joint resolution from Congress establishing Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday of November, beginning in 1942, to resolve the confusion caused by the previous date change.
1941: US Congress Formalizes Thanksgiving Date
In 1941, the United States Congress officially established Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November.
1942: Standardized Thanksgiving Date Implemented
Starting in 1942, the United States officially observed Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November following the Congressional resolution.
1945: Philippines Continues Thanksgiving After WWII
After the Japanese withdrawal in 1945, the Philippines continued to celebrate Thanksgiving, a tradition adopted during the American colonial period.
August 17, 1949: Brazil Establishes Thanksgiving
On August 17, 1949, President Gaspar Dutra of Brazil established National Thanksgiving Day, inspired by Ambassador Joaquim Nabuco's experience in Washington.
January 1957: Canadian Thanksgiving Proclamation
In January 1957, the Canadian Parliament officially proclaimed Thanksgiving as a day of general thanks to God for the bountiful harvest, to be observed on the second Monday in October.
1957: Canada Moves Thanksgiving to Second Monday of October
In 1957, to avoid conflicts with Armistice Day, the Canadian Parliament moved Thanksgiving to the second Monday of October.
November 5, 1963: President Kennedy's Thanksgiving Proclamation
On November 5, 1963, President John F. Kennedy issued a proclamation acknowledging both the Virginia and Massachusetts Thanksgiving traditions, highlighting the forefathers' gratitude for safety, health, prosperity, love, and faith.
1966: Brazil Sets Thanksgiving Date
In 1966, Brazil officially designated the fourth Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day, aligning it with the American celebration.
1969: End of Official Thanksgiving in the Philippines
The Philippines discontinued Thanksgiving as an official holiday in 1969 after previously being celebrated on the same day as the American Thanksgiving.
1971: American Uniform Monday Holiday Act
The 1971 American Uniform Monday Holiday Act resulted in American Columbus Day and Canadian Thanksgiving falling on the same date.
1983: Grenada's Thanksgiving Day
Grenada established Thanksgiving Day on October 25, 1983, to commemorate the US-led invasion following the execution of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop.
1986: Post-Marcos Era in the Philippines
After the removal of President Ferdinand Marcos in 1986, the Philippines discontinued its official observance of Thanksgiving.
2022: Thanksgiving Revived in the Philippines
As of 2022, Thanksgiving has seen a revival in the Philippines as a commercial and cultural event, spearheaded by SM Supermalls.
October 14, 2024: Thanksgiving in Canada
On October 14, 2024, Canada celebrated Thanksgiving.
November 7, 2024: Thanksgiving in Liberia
On November 7, 2024, Liberia celebrated Thanksgiving.
November 27, 2024: Thanksgiving on Norfolk Island
On November 27, 2024, Norfolk Island celebrated Thanksgiving.
October 13, 2025: Thanksgiving in Canada
On October 13, 2025, Canada celebrated Thanksgiving.
November 6, 2025: Thanksgiving in Liberia
On November 6, 2025, Liberia celebrated Thanksgiving.
November 26, 2025: Thanksgiving on Norfolk Island
On November 26, 2025, Norfolk Island celebrated Thanksgiving.