Celebrating it abroad sharpens the meaning of the holiday—gratitude, connection, and the comforting rituals that make a place feel like home. Across the Algarve and beyond, expatriates are gathering today to recreate the warmth of a distinctly American tradition on European soil.

As the American community in Portugal continues to grow, so too have Thanksgiving traditions in their many forms. Some host small, home-cooked dinners using Portuguese ingredients; others join larger community tables; and a few restaurants now mark the day with special menus. In the Algarve, one of the longest-running and most popular gatherings is hosted by Jonnie Pratt of Tribulum, who reflects, “With more Americans relocating here, Thanksgiving is a way to celebrate together with families & friends. For many expats, we hope an event like this becomes a moment they truly feel part of a community.”

Credits: TPN; Author: Kam Heskin; Local Americans Melaura Parker, Wanda Crawford and Kam Heskin at Tribulum Thanksgiving

But beyond any single table or menu, the holiday here is defined by the way traditions adapt. A turkey might share space with Portuguese wine, a stuffing recipe might borrow local herbs, and a Friendsgiving gathering might include people from five different countries. American football playing on a screen, or a Portuguese musician performing songs from the Great American Songbook, only adds to the cross-cultural charm.

What stands out most is how celebrating abroad heightens the meaning of the day. Many expats speak of a deeper appreciation for community, the friends who become family, the neighbours who welcome them, and the slower pace of life that allows gratitude to settle in more fully. Living far from home also brings a renewed awareness of the traditions that shaped us, and how they can evolve without losing their heart.

For Americans in the Algarve, today is more than a holiday. It’s a bridge between the life they came from and the one they are building here, and a reminder that home is not limited to geography. Traditions carried across the ocean don’t fade; they root themselves differently, often more intentionally. Thanksgiving in Portugal becomes a celebration of belonging, shared stories, and the warmth of gathering under a different sky, grateful for where we’ve been and where we find ourselves now.