Thanksgiving is celebrated in Palau on the last Thursday of November following the American tradition. This is due to the close historical ties that the country has with the United States. Since the end of World War II, Palau was administered by the United States until it gained its independence in 1994. Due to these historical ties, some American traditions like Thanksgiving have been adopted and are celebrated annually.
In Palau, Thanksgiving is a day for people to gather together with their families and express gratitude for the blessings received throughout the year. Though the traditional turkey and pumpkin pie meal is not common in Palau, families celebrate with a large feast, almost like a potluck, with each family contributing a dish. The meal can consist of local dishes, such as taro, cassava, yam, fresh fish, and other local delicacies.
Thanksgiving is also a time for prayer in Palau. Many people spend the day attending church services, where they give thanks for their blessings. In addition, the day is marked by communal activities and traditional games. Despite being an adopted holiday, Thanksgiving in Palau has become a significant part of their culture and an important time for families to come together.