As Thanksgiving approaches, the Haitian community at Penn State is preparing to celebrate the holiday with their own unique twist on tradition. While Thanksgiving is not a typically celebrated holiday in Haiti, many Haitians in America have embraced it, incorporating their cultural and religious practices into the festivities. Haitian Thanksgiving features different dishes such as black rice, Pikliz, and Haitian macaroni, reflecting their culinary traditions. The celebration also includes quality time with family, music, and dancing, with elders sharing stories of their time in Haiti with younger generations.
According to Jourdyn Mitchell, a Penn State alumna, Haitians celebrate Thanksgiving as a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate their blessings with expressions of gratitude and faith. Noah Gustave and Micah Neverson, current students at Penn State, enjoy traditional Haitian dishes like black rice and Haitian macaroni, as well as experimenting with American dishes like candied yams and greens. Marcus Vernelus, a member of the Haitian Navy, emphasizes the importance of passing down traditions to younger generations to solidify customs and pride in being Haitian.
Overall, the Haitian community at Penn State is looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with their own cultural flair, showcasing a mix of generations and traditions. Through food, music, and family time, Haitians in America are embracing the holiday and making it their own. As Thanksgiving approaches, they are thankful for the opportunity to celebrate their heritage and share it with future generations.
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