Turkey with all the frills

(JB) Hundreds of expats are expected to tuck into a turkey dinner during the coming weeks to celebrate the traditional north American holiday of Thanksgiving.

This year the holiday falls on November 24, when many families will gather to share a traditional meal. However, there are a number of events for people wishing to celebrate in company, from the American Women's Club of Luxembourg's Thanksgiving lunch on November 16 to the Amcham turkey feast and 60s party on November 22.

The tradition

The Thanksgiving tradition in the US can be traced back to a celebration in Massachusetts in 1621 when colonists gave thanks for a good harvest. The celebration eventually caught on and became a regular affair by the 1660s.

During the first feast the English settlers did not have enough food to feed themselves and so the Wampanoag Indians reportedly offered five deer.

Historians also suggest that they ate seal meat during the first Thanksgiving meal. Today, turkey with sweet potatoes and gravy, followed by apple pie, is traditionally eaten to celebrate the holiday.

Thanksgiving events

November 16

The American Women's Club of Luxembourg will hold a Thanksgiving lunch on November 16 at the Villa d'Este, in rue de Pulvermuhl.

The event is open to everyone and includes a reception drink, turkey, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean parcels wrapped in bacon, stuffing and gravy, followed by apple pie.

A tombola as part of the club's International Bazar fundraising efforts, will feature prizes including gym membership and restaurant vouchers.

Places must be booked by November 14 at the latest. The meal costs 35 euros for members, 40 euros for non members. It starts at 11am. For information, email clubhouseawcl@gmail.com or visit www.awcl.lu

November 22

The American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) will welcome Luxembourg leader Jean-Claude Juncker as guest of honour at their turkey feast.

The event is held at the Hotel Sofitel in Kirchberg and kicks off with cocktails at 7pm, followed by a meal from 8pm. Live music will be provided by covers band The Come Back 60s and guests are encouraged to take part in the tombola.

The event costs 75 euros for non members and 65 euros for members. For information, or to book your place, visit www.amcham.lu

November 24

Cross-cultural organisation the American Luxembourg Society will host their event on Thanksgiving day itself. Friends and family are invited to attend a traditional dinner from 7pm at the Conterstuff in Contern.

On the menu will be creamy pumpkin soup, roast turkey with currant glaze, onion and chestnut stuffing with relish and roast potatoes, followed by pear and cranberry pie.

The dinner costs 30 euros. For more information or to book your place, email info@als.lu or call 463 563. www.als.lu