Celebrating Thanksgiving (giorno del rigraziamento, in italian) became a big deal in Florence ever since so many north-americans started living in the city. It’s a typical north-american holiday, celebrated in the US and Canada. The origin of this celebration is due to a mix of European and native traditions. Both had the intention to thank God (and Mother Nature) for the good harvest. It was also an opportunity to rejoice together, after so much work during the cropping.

Nowadays the celebration is one of the few truly secular holidays in the US calendar (4th of July is another), characterized by a typical American holiday worldwide, when families gather around big feasts with plenty of food. As it is on a Thursday, people extend to a long weekend and make it the last big celebration before the Christmas time.

The menu reflects the tastes and colors of the autumn harvest: roasted turkey, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce and candied yams (sweet potatoes).

Even though the sweet smell of Thanksgiving turkey and buttery smashed potatoes are not as usual as in the US, in Florence you can find some restaurants with a special to celebrate the date.

Angel’s restaurant, at Via del Proconsolo. Price: 35 euro. Includes typical thanksgiving food, champagne on arrival and a warm apple cider.

Westin Hotel, in Piazza Ognissanti. Price: 45 euro. Includes pumpkin soup, fried tomatoes, roast turkey with cranberry jam, corn fritters and Mississippi black cake.

Four Seasons Hotel, at Borgo Pinti, 99. Price: 95 euro, wines not included.

Have a good time, wherever you choose to go and celebrate. Just make sure to book in advance so you can guarantee a seat at the table.