Thanksgiving in Athens, Greece

Thanksgiving in Athens, Greece

While there's little trouble finding a turkey, which is a popular bird in Greece, it's harder to find a traditional Thanksgiving dinner celebration in Athens. Though the cornucopia which often adorns the holiday table originated from the "Horn of Amaltheia", the goat nymph who suckled Zeus when he was a baby, the modern holiday itself is strictly American.

In ancient times, the women's festival of the goddess Demeter, called the Thesmophoria, was offered in gratitude for the bounty of the earth, but Thesmophoria celebrations are equally rare these days. Your best bet will be to check the major hotels with a largely American clientele, and to also call the American Embassy to see if there are any events open to the public which you can attend. Just don't expect to eat at the embassy - the gates are closed and employees spend the day serving underprivileged immigrant children a turkey dinner.

Hotel Events in Athens

Upscale hotels catering to American tourists will usually acknowledge Thanksgiving and other American holidays in some way, often with a special dinner.

At the Athenaeum Hotel Intercontinental, there is usually a special Thanksgiving entree at the Premiere restaurant located on the roof. This venue will give an excellent view of the fireworks over the Acropolis.

The Marriott Athens Ledra is also popular with Americans and you can e

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