The History of an Italian-American Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving may be as American as apple pie, but for Italian-Americans, it’s also as Italian as lasagna. When Italian-Americans first arrived in the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they were greeted with this strange new holiday. A day to eat a giant bird and give thanks? Sure, why not—especially if there’s food involved. Italians didn’t need much convincing to join in on a meal-centric celebration!

But here’s the thing: Italians don’t do “simple meals.” The idea of just having turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce felt like a missed opportunity. Enter the Italian-American Thanksgiving table, where lasagna might serve as the first course, and Nonna insists you try the eggplant parm before even thinking about the turkey.

For Italian immigrants, Thanksgiving became a way to fit into American culture while holding onto their own traditions. It was a day to be thankful for new opportunities in America while also mourning the fact that turkeys don’t taste as good as Nonna’s Sunday sauce.

At early Italian-American Thanksgivings, families blended the old with the new. Sure, they roasted the turkey, but they seasoned it with garlic, olive oil, and fresh rosemary—because what’s a holiday without a little flavor? Instead of plain mashed potatoes, you might find them whipped with parmesan cheese or replaced entirely with a creamy polenta.

And let’s not forget the infamous Italian Thanksgiving debates. Who gets to host? Which aunt makes the better stuffing? Why are there three versions of lasagna on the table, and why does Uncle Tony refuse to eat any of them? Thanksgiving isn’t just a day of gratitude—it’s also a day of spirited conversation. (“Spirited” meaning loud enough that the neighbors hear your family bonding.)

Then comes dessert. You think you’re done after turkey, pasta, and ten side dishes? Oh no. Thanksgiving dessert in an Italian-American household is a parade of cannoli, tiramisu, pizzelle, and maybe even a pumpkin pie just to be polite. And don’t be surprised when someone breaks out the espresso and limoncello to “help with digestion.”

Thanksgiving, for Italian-Americans, is about more than food (hard to believe, I know). It’s a reflection of their journey—blending the traditions of the old country with the customs of the new. It’s about celebrating family, appreciating good fortune, and finding humor in the chaos of too many cooks in the kitchen.

So, whether your Thanksgiving table includes turkey or tortellini (or both), remember this: Italian-American Thanksgivings aren’t just meals—they’re full-on marathons of love, laughter, and lasagna. And if Nonna tells you to eat more, just say yes. It’s tradition, after all!