From Pilgrims to Parades: Plymouth’s Thanksgiving Traditions Then and Now

1. The First Feast (1621) The very first Thanksgiving celebration in Plymouth brought Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe together for a three-day harvest feast featuring turkey, corn, beans, and seafood. This early Thanksgiving feast was all about gratitude, community, and sharing nature’s bounty.

2. Early Plymouth Traditions In the years that followed, Plymouth locals celebrated Thanksgiving with small-town gatherings, church services, and even harvest festivals that kept the spirit of thankfulness alive. These early traditions laid the foundation for the modern Thanksgiving holiday we know here today.

3. Today’s Parade Each November, Plymouth’s Thanksgiving parade brings the community together with colorful floats, marching bands, and family-friendly fun. It’s one of the best Thanksgiving events in Massachusetts, celebrating the town’s deep history and togetherness.

4. Historic Reenactments Visitors can step back in time at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, where Pilgrim reenactments and interactive exhibits bring Thanksgiving history back to life. It’s a must-see for anyone who wants to experience where this American tradition began!

5. Then vs. Now From three-day feasts to festive parades, Plymouth’s Thanksgiving celebrations have always centered around gratitude, family, and community, just expressed in different ways. Whether you’re enjoying a modern Thanksgiving dinner or reflecting on the town’s roots, Plymouth remains the heart of Thanksgiving tradition.