Bakersfield, CA, USA. Today is one of the most special holidays on the US calendar as well as in other anglosaxon countries. North Americans of Basque origin take advantage of the day to gather and celebrate with their families and loved ones, sharing and giving thanks around a table enjoying being together and remembering those who are no longer with them. The Boise Euskal Etxea celebrated a Thanksgiving event “Thanksgiving’s Eve,” at the Basque Center providing members and friends a chance to get together and share a meal.
In California, Basque restaurants in Bakersfield also celebrate. Local press and TV channels reported about the customs over the last few years of gathering and eating at a Basque restaurant the night before Thanksgiving. Here is how they explain it: