Cebu celebrates Canadian Thanksgiving
Roy and Katherine Rivera
Most countries around the world have harvest festivals or Thanksgiving celebrations. The Canadian Thanksgiving, which may have been before the Pilgrims’ Thanksgiving of the United States, has been officially celebrated as an annual holiday in Canada since Nov. 6, 1879.
However, it was not until January 1957 that the second Monday in October was proclaimed by Governor General Vincent Massy as “A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed.”
In keeping with tradition, Cebu Honorary Canadian Consul Katherine Rivera and husband Roy hosted an intimate family-type celebration for Canadian citizens, friends, and the Cebu Consular Corp at Rica’s Restaurant.
The tables were adorned in beautiful fall colors of autumn leaves, flowers and vegetables, creating an environment of abundance and plenty.
Katherine officially welcomed everyone and explained a little background on the Canadian Thanksgiving practice of expressing gratitude for the many blessings received throughout the year. Roy led the Thanksgiving prayer. With minimal formalities, dinner was served.
Traditional dishes such as pumpkin soup, roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, cauliflower and pecan pie were served. Other dishes included roasted pork and baked salmon with herbs, which the guests loved.
The attitude of gratitude was in the air and it created a pleasant, refreshing evening for all. It was a good reminder to embrace all opportunities to give thanks, which opens your mind, body and soul to an abundance of positivity.
