Día de Acción de Gracias
It’s that day again, the fourth Thursday of November, when Americans in the U.S. fill our faces at extravagant mid-day meals of turkey and stuffing, potatoes and pumpkin pie, while carefully avoiding Aunt Susan’s mysterious “casserole” and Uncle Joe’s politics.
To celebrate this very important American holiday, we offer Free Spanish classes for our clients and friends. Learn how to say Thanksgiving in Spanish.
Giving Thanks Back Then!
The story of the “First Thanksgiving” that most kids in the U.S. learn in school is (at best) a fairy tale of togetherness and cooperation, where in celebration of their first harvest, recent European immigrants (escaping religious oppression in the Old Country) generously shared a meal with their kind Native American neighbors.
There is no mention of smallpox or slaughter (well, except for the unfortunate turkey!) Everyone is friendly and all hostilities are forgotten in a rainbow of religious benevolence.
Handsgiving’s Football!
We know that’s not how it happened, but nevertheless, Thanksgiving has been repurposed in the modern-day as a time of plenty, a Harvest celebration (religious or not) in which we are thankful for all the bounty this land (or at least the supermarket) has provided and that we can take off work for a couple of days and watch football.
Why do they call it “football,” when most of the time the ball is in the players’ hands? We just don’t get it.
Appreciating Bay Area´s Diversity!
The Bay Area is full of diverse cultures, and while our differences sometimes set us apart. Thanksgiving is a time that brings us together on a plate, when one can find a cornucopia of flavors meshed all on one fork.
A turkey rubbed with South Indian spices or chipotle peppers in adobe sauce. A side of kimchi or couscous, or a plate of lumpia. And everyone knows it’s the beginning of an intense tamale season.
Trytophan Isn´t in el Pan
It is in turkey. After feeling mostly comatose on tryptophan (or what might be referred to by people who can’t pronounce words like “tryptophan” as “that sleepy turkey enzyme”), we chill and begin planning for Christmas (you know, that holiday the retailers have been pushing since the beginning of October?)
Cultural Exchange!
Many of our immigrant families are only beginning to be inundated with U.S. cultural traditions. What a wonderful opportunity for those who celebrate to share their bounty with others!
Why not invite a friend from work to share your meal (maybe they can distract your chatty cousin Marie for a while), or open their consciousness to the indescribable wonder that is leftover pie.
Jump Start on New Year’s Resolution!
Take time to to think of all the ways you can contribute to the community. Begin to consider the things you take for granted. Get a jump start on those New Year’s resolutions. (Naaaah, just kidding on that one.)
Brutal History of Colonialism!
Thanksgiving has a brutal history of colonialism, but we can certainly still be thankful for our communities and the many cultures that contribute to our country’s fabulous patchwork quilt.
Americans after All!
Whether we eat foods native to the Americas or bring our own international flavors to the table, we can all be grateful for what we have: family and friends, a roof over our heads, and (maybe a little too much) food in our bellies. On Thanksgiving, we all are Americans!
No matter how you celebrate, we at Kasa de Franko are grateful for you, our friends and family. Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours!
On Thanksgiving Day, we, at Kasa De Franko, would like to thank members of our community by offering then a token of our Harvest.
Free Spanish Lesson!
Join us in celebrating the history and greatness of our nation! On this special day, Kasa De Franko expresses gratitude to the community by offering Free Spanish Lessons.
Americans after All!
Click the red button below to secure your spot for a thirty-minute private lesson. Alternatively, if you prefer a group lesson, you can choose that option instead.
