Thanksgiving From The Cameroonian Perspective

It’s that time of the year for all American families to gather around for a day of festivities, thankfulness, and, of course, turkey. As a non-denominational, secular holiday, Thanksgiving is arguably the most celebrated holiday in the US and it may be the most important dinner of the year. As many of you know, I am from Cameroon so I think about this holiday a little differently than my American friends. My “non-traditional” American family was very quick to adopt this culture of Thanksgiving, just not the turkey.

For my first Thanksgiving, we roasted a pig, what family the size of mine can a turkey feed?? And every year after that, we have celebrated with a variety of exotic animals - goats, lamb or antelope. Aside from the excitement of a food coma, Thanksgiving is a celebration of the close family and friends in our lives. I most enjoy the heart of the holiday, a deep sense of gratitude. It is as it sounds, a day to “give thanks.”

So whether you are hosting your whole family, having Thanksgiving on your own, or attending the most lavish hotel dinner we wish you all the best Thanksgiving.