Q COSTARICA—The U.S. Embassy in San Jose and its Consular Section will be closed on Thursday, November 27, for Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving is one of those traditions that really captures what America’s about—pausing to be grateful for what we have. It officially became a federal holiday back in 1863, thanks to President Abraham Lincoln, who set the date. Since then, every president has made it an official day for the entire nation to celebrate.
The Embassy will reopen to the public on Friday, November 28, during its regular hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
History
The American Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated every fourth Thursday in November. It traces back to the early 1600s when Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a harvest feast, marking a moment of cooperation and gratitude.
The day is a time for family and friends to come together, enjoy a big meal usually centered around turkey, and reflect on what they’re thankful for.
Turkey became the main point of Thanksgiving largely because of tradition and symbolism rather than any single historical fact. When the first Pilgrims celebrated their harvest feast with Native Americans in the early 1600s, wild fowl—including ducks, geese, and probably wild turkeys—were on the menu.
However, turkey eventually stood out for a few reasons. Wild turkeys were abundant and native to North America, making them a readily available centerpiece for festive meals. They’re large enough to feed a group, which fits the communal spirit of Thanksgiving. Over time, turkey became an affordable, practical, and symbolic choice that represented abundance and the harvest season.
In the 19th century, writers like Sarah Josepha Hale promoted Thanksgiving as a national holiday and popularized turkey as the traditional dish. By the time Thanksgiving became a formal holiday under Abraham Lincoln, the turkey was already deeply associated with the meal.
So, turkey’s role as the main point of Thanksgiving is a mix of history, practicality, and cultural tradition—a big bird that fits the story of sharing a bountiful feast to give thanks.
The Thanksgiving holiday also kicks off the busy holiday season.