National Thanksgiving Day is a significant holiday celebrated in the African country of Liberia. First declared by President William Tubman in 1883, the holiday is an illustration of the historical and cultural ties between Liberia and the United States. Set to be observed annually on the first Thursday of November, this holiday mirrors the American tradition of Thanksgiving and is both a testament and a celebration of the various ways the past can ripple into the present.
The purpose of Liberia's National Thanksgiving Day aligns with the theme of gratitude that Thanksgiving celebrations foster worldwide. The holiday motivates Liberians to express their gratitude for their individual and collective blessings, with a special emphasis on the country's progress and milestones achieved over the year. The essence of the day encourages positive reflection, shared experiences, and fosters a sense of national unity and pride.
Traditionally, National Thanksgiving Day in Liberia is commemorated with church services, festive family gatherings, and communal meals that feature a rich variety of Liberian cuisines. It is a day marked with joy and merriment where people come together to give thanks for life's blessings. Like many Liberian holidays, National Thanksgiving Day also serves as an opportunity to reinforce and showcase the country's rich cultural traditions, practices, and heritage.