Thanksgiving Day in US Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands are a group of Caribbean islands that are an organized territory of the U.S., but they are unincorporated. They consist of the main islands of Saint John, Saint Croix, and Saint Thomas, as well as 50 surrounding minor islands and cays.
US Virgin Islands (Observance)They cover approximately 133.73 square miles and are home to approximately 87,000+ people, not counting tourists. Like the rest of the United States, this territory observes Thanksgiving Day—a day for people to give thanks for the blessings in their lives and to enjoy a big meal with their loved ones.
The History Of Thanksgiving Day In The U.S. Virgin Islands
Since this holiday is derived from the American Thanksgiving tradition, we thought it would be prudent to start with the origins of that holiday. In the U.S., Thanksgiving started as an annual tradition in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This is where Pilgrims and Puritans from Britain brought their tradition of Days of Fasting and Days of Thanksgiving with them.
On October 31, 1939, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a proclamation that changed the date of the holiday to the last Thursday in November. This was an attempt by the president to provide a boost to the economy by adding several extra days to the Christmas shopping season.
Observing Thanksgiving Day In The U.S. Virgin Islands
Thanksgiving Day is celebrated all across the U.S. Virgin Islands in many of the same ways as it is done in the mainland U.S. Turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and an assortment of vegetables can be had with the island’s version of Thanksgiving, but some areas do a roasted pig instead of the traditional turkey. Also, different vegetables may be used on the islands. It’s also common to find tropical fruits and fish served at Thanksgiving meals.
US Virgin Islands (Observance)
