The people of Massachusetts feel more blessed on this day than any neighbour which is why they party like a pioneer on Thanksgiving.
Because, of course, legend tells us that it was in Plymouth where the Pilgrims and the people who were already there first broke bread and wine in 1621.
Some 53 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag, led by Chief Massasoit, feasting on fish, shellfish and veg.
Now talk around whether everything happened exactly the way we play it out today keeps a whole industry of historians in work, which is no bad thing.
Of course, the best place to immerse yourself in everything Thanksgiving is where it all began, in Plymouth.
Where they are feasting like it’s 1621.
Pilgrim’s Progress
Our Plymouth pals direct us to the Pilgrim Hall Museum, Plimoth Patuxet Museums, Plymouth Rock and the National Monument to the Forefathers.
And as we’re channeling 1621 then first off is the Pilgrim’s Progress, a procession to Sabbath worship.
On the site of the original fort/meetinghouse where psalms are sung.
And passages are read by ‘Elder Brewster’ from Governor Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation or other sources.
The First Nations
Now Thanksgiving Day, on the third Thursday of November, should be as much about the indigenous population as the settlers.
And Plymouth doesn’t forget them with a National Day of Mourning March and ceremonies at Massasoit Statue, Cole’s Hill.
Now Plymouth is only 40 miles from Boston and should be part of every American history fan’s odyssey.
Thanks to Aer Lingus
And like everything American for us travelling from these next rocks at the eastern end of the Atlantic.
We advise to travel through Dublin.
With Aer Lingus with pre-clearance.
We found a random return flight for next month from €634.42.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE
