Thanksgiving: The time-honored American tradition of stuffing one's belly to the point of popping while sharing the company of your closest friends and family.
While I no longer live in the US at the moment, my language auxiliar friends and I decided to celebrate in proper American style by holding TWO Thanksgiving feasts this year to celebrate. My new friend Ian, who we joined for the past Celta futbol games, hosted on Thursday whereas my roommates and I hosted on Saturday. As my contribution to our Thanksgiving celebrations I made from scratch --- a now famous dish among Americans and Spaniards alike -- Mac-n-Cheese! Everyone pitched in with the food and drinks, some searching high and low for pumpkin mix and whole turkeys, and we had ourselves an incredible couple of nights.
Additionally, Saturday evening happened to be a very large celebration in Vigo! For about two months now, workers have been hanging and constructing Christmas lights and structures around the entire city. While the majority of the festivities are located along the Puerta del Sol on Calle Príncipe, nine-million LED lights extend over 350 streets throughout the city. Finally, after much preparation and anticipation, it was time to turn them on! After our meal, we took to the streets to take in the sights and sing along to holiday music as the night seemingly turned to day. Featuring a giant snowman, Santa's workshop, a Christmas tree over 100 feet tall, and an ornament you can walk through, Vigo exceeded all expectations! We even met the mayor of the city to share with him our excitement and gratitude for the holiday sentiments.
Although I was unable to spend the Thanksgiving fun with my family back home, I feel beyond thankful to have such wonderful friends to share the holidays with. It's good to know even half-a-world away in Spain I can feel like I'm home. A merry start to the holiday season to all and ¡Boas Festas!
Here are some pictures to enjoy from our celebrations!
My Mac-n-Cheese!
Thanksgiving Food and Friends at Ian's
Thanksgiving Round 2 at my Apartment
¡Boas Festas! The Celebration of Light
Videos from the Light Show
Met the Mayor!
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