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Pony Express News

The student news site of Morton East High School

Pony Express News

The student news site of Morton East High School

Pony Express News

Morton East students will celebrate Thanksgiving with cultural feasts

Senior+Gabriel+Suarez+savors+the+flavors+of+Puerto+Rican+cuisine+--+made+by+his+mother.+
Israel Angeles
Senior Gabriel Suarez savors the flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine — made by his mother.

The minority of Morton East students will celebrate Thanksgiving with cultural feasts.

In a random survey of 137 students at Morton East, only 26% (36 students) said they will have a traditional dish that represents their culture this Thanksgiving.  Of the 137 students polled, 125 of them told us what kind of Hispanics they were.  We had 111 Mexicans, 5 Puerto Ricans, 3 Salvadorans, 1 Guatemalan, 3 Hondurans, 1 Ecuadorian, and 1 Peruvian reporting out.  That gives you an idea of the cultures represented here at Morton East.

According to ChatGPT, Thanksgiving celebrations in the Hispanic world may vary, as the holiday is traditionally an American observance. However, some Hispanic families in the United States may blend their cultural traditions with Thanksgiving festivities. Here are some facts about why people might incorporate cultural foods from the Hispanic world into their Thanksgiving celebrations:

Cultural Fusion: Many Hispanic families in the United States have a rich cultural heritage, and Thanksgiving provides an opportunity to blend traditional American customs with their own cultural practices. This fusion is reflected in the types of foods served during the holiday.

Family and Togetherness: Thanksgiving, with its emphasis on family and togetherness, resonates with Hispanic values. Sharing a meal becomes a way to express love and appreciation for family and friends.

Traditional Hispanic Dishes: Some families include traditional Hispanic dishes alongside or instead of the typical Thanksgiving fare. This might include dishes like tamales, arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), empanadas, or mole (a rich, flavorful sauce).

Flavorful Ingredients: Hispanic cuisine is known for its bold and diverse flavors. Ingredients such as cilantro, cumin, chili peppers, and various spices can add a unique twist to Thanksgiving dishes.

Tropical Fruits: In some Hispanic households, you might find tropical fruits like plantains, mangoes, or pineapples incorporated into Thanksgiving recipes, adding a burst of freshness and color to the meal.

Out of the 137 students at Morton East, 7 will eat pozole on Thanksgiving.

“My family and I eat turkey and pozole for Thanksgiving dinner,” Morton East student Mia Briseno said.

Some other students said they will eat a different traditional meal.

“In Thanksgiving, we eat Platano Frito, tortillas de harina’s with frijoles and more,” Morton East student Jardel Manzanares said.

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  • E

    Eriberto CamposNov 27, 2023 at 10:36 am

    It’s crazy on how many Hispanic students don’t know another their families tradition

    Reply
  • C

    Carlos QuinteroNov 27, 2023 at 10:36 am

    I enjoyed thanksgiving especially the part when i ate turkey because that is my favorite part. I also ate tamales which is another food that i like to eat but i think at lot of people like turkey more.

    Reply
  • V

    VIVIANA FRANCONov 27, 2023 at 9:25 am

    “Some families include traditional Hispanic dishes alongside or instead of the typical Thanksgiving fare. This might include dishes like tamales, arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), empanadas, or mole (a rich, flavorful sauce)” I agree that many families are very traditional on thanksgiving ,me and my family eat a lot of hispanic dishes on thanksgiving as well as more traditional thanksgiving dishes .

    Reply
  • R

    ReporterNov 27, 2023 at 9:16 am

    It’s shocking that not that many people are eating pozole for Thanksgivings especially how it’s very popular during this time of year.

    Reply
  • R

    ReporterNov 27, 2023 at 9:15 am

    Im Surprised only a little amount of people are going to eat pozole when its a traditional plate thanksgiving day!

    Reply
  • E

    Emmanuel ZNov 27, 2023 at 7:20 am

    I agree Eating traditional meals for Thanksgiving helps maintain cultural identity, fosters a sense of continuity, and provides a shared experience that strengthens family bonds. It also connects individuals to their heritage, creating a meaningful and cohesive celebration.

    Reply
  • J

    JulissaNov 21, 2023 at 2:33 pm

    “Out of the 137 students at Morton East, 7 will eat pozole on Thanksgiving.” I think it is really interesting that only 7 out of 137 of the Morton East students surveyed will be having pozole. I thought there would be more.

    Reply
  • N

    NoelNov 21, 2023 at 12:55 pm

    in my opinion- cultural feasts play a huge part in Hispanic family’s and are culture- the different dishes and meals the family brings and gets together with- it not only brings them together as a family sharing each others foods- but it brings real purpose and meaning to the holidays like thanksgiving- and in this school there is a big majority of Hispanic students-

    Reply
  • K

    KayNov 21, 2023 at 12:38 pm

    I agree with this article that most of our Hispanic families eat cultural meals and only a select few blend in some thanksgiving food with it.

    Reply
  • H

    HectorNov 21, 2023 at 12:34 pm

    This article really resonated with me as my family too will have a culturally diverse Thanksgiving dinner with Mexican dishes, as well as the traditional American dishes. My various concubines will also be attending the feast, bringing a wider range of cultural meals from around the world. Peace and love, everyone stay safe.

    Reply