Athens
24
11
2022
HOLIDAY OBSERVANCE

Thanksgiving Day 2022 in Athens, Greece

The U.S. Embassy in Athens and its Consular Section, the U.S. Consulate General in Thessaloniki, and all U.S. Government offices in Greece will be closed on Thursday, November 24th, 2022, in observance of Thanksgiving Day.
The U.S. Embassy in Athens and its Consular Section, the U.S. Consulate General in Thessaloniki, and all U.S. Government offices in Greece will be closed on Thursday, November 24th, 2022, in observance of Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving is known to Greeks mostly from movies. However, it is an established holiday throughout North America, and there are other countries and cultures with similar celebrations. It is a celebration of Thanksgiving when people give thanks to the Creator for their harvest.

Notably, in Greece, people don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, but in ancient Greece, they celebrated “Thesmoforia”. The myth says that when Hades, the god of the underworld, kidnapped the young girl Persephone, her mother Demeter could not feed the world and winter came over the land. Demeter was the goddess of harvest and agriculture. Persephone returned to the world every six months, in spring and summer. When Persephone returned, Demeter gave mankind the gift of agriculture.

The holiday dedicated to Demeter was called “Thesmophoria.” The ancient Greeks celebrated Thesmophoria between the end of October and November. The festivities lasted three days and were celebrated throughout ancient Greece. Only women were allowed to participate in the sacred celebrations.


Where to have a Traditional American Thanksgiving dinner in Athens

St. George Lycabettus Hotel
Enjoy the spectacular view of the Acropolis whilst enjoying a Traditional All American Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday 24th November 2022.

GB Roof Garden Restaurant
On November 24th, enjoy a feast and an exquisite festive menu at the GB Roof Garden Restaurant. Dinner: 18:00 – 01:00.

T.G.I.Friday's
The restaurants offer plates with various Thanksgiving specialties.

Hard Rock Café
Feast your eyes on their Thanksgiving Dinner because it’s almost Turkey Time. Reserve a table for Thursday, November 24th – Sunday, November 27th.

tags: City Life