In October, we celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada, el Día de la Raza in Colombia and Mexico, Octoberfest in Germany, Independence Day in Nigeria and Diwali in India. And of course, for children, we think of Halloween.
Week 1: Travel to Canada: Thanksgiving
Canadian Thanksgiving, celebrated on the second Monday in October, honors bountiful harvests and gratitude to nature. This holiday is marked by a big family feast, including iconic dishes like roast turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. Unlike the American version, it takes place earlier in the season. This celebration also allows you to reconnect with family and friends in a warm atmosphere. Canadians take advantage of this day to celebrate the benefits of fall.
- Roast turkey : Traditional main dish stuffed with gluten-free bread, vegetables and sometimes dried fruits like cranberries.
- Mashed potatoes : Served with gravy made from turkey cooking juices.
- Pumpkin pie : An iconic dessert, often flavored with spices like cinnamon and ginger, made with gluten-free dough.
Week 2: Travel to Colombia and Mexico : Día de la Raza
Día de la Raza, celebrated on October 12 in Colombia and Mexico, commemorates the meeting of the indigenous and European worlds following the arrival of Christopher Columbus. This day highlights cultural diversity and indigenous roots through parades, dances and festivals. In Mexico, it is a time to celebrate mestizo heritage and the fusion of traditions. Traditional dishes like tamales and pozole are at the heart of the celebrations. The Día de la Raza symbolizes unity and cultural richness.
- Tamales (Mexico) : Preparations made from corn dough stuffed with meat, vegetables or fruit, wrapped in corn husks and steamed.
- Ajiaco (Colombia) : A stew of potatoes, corn and chicken, usually accompanied by cream, capers and avocado.
- Pozole (Mexico) : A thick soup made from hominy corn and meat (often pork), topped with salad, radishes and onions.
Week 3: Trip to Germany: Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is a beer festival held annually in Munich, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. Celebrated from October to early November, it highlights Bavarian culture through beer, sausages, pretzels and meat dishes. Participants wear traditional costumes such as Lederhosen and Dirndls. This iconic event is synonymous with conviviality, live music and festivities. Oktoberfest has become a global tradition, with replicas in many countries.
- Bratwurst : Grilled sausages served with mild mustard and often accompanied by sauerkraut.
- Brezn (Pretzel) : Large pretzels, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often accompanied by butter.
- Schweinshaxe (pork shank) : A pork shank roasted until the skin becomes crispy, served with red cabbage or mashed potatoes.
- Kartoffelsalat : Traditional potato salad, often served with onions and pickles in a vinegar sauce.
Week 4: Trip to Nigeria : Independence Day
On October 1, Nigeria's Independence Day marks the country's liberation from British colonial rule in 1960. It is a day of national celebration with military parades, official speeches, and concerts. Nigerians celebrate their cultural diversity with traditional dishes like Jollof rice and pounded yam. The national colors, green and white, dominate the decorations. This day symbolizes national unity and the pride of the Nigerian people on their journey to independence.
- Jollof rice : Rice cooked in a spicy tomato sauce with vegetables, fish or chicken.
- Pounded yam with Egusi soup : A dish of mashed yam (yam) accompanied by a thick soup made from melon seeds (Egusi), often with meat or fish.
- Suya : Grilled beef or chicken skewers, marinated in a mixture of spices (chili peppers, ground peanuts, ginger).
Week 5: Travel to India : Diwali
Diwali, or the festival of lights, is one of the most important celebrations in India, marking the victory of light over darkness. Observed in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar, this Hindu festival includes rituals such as the lighting of oil lamps, fireworks, and the exchange of sweets. Diwali is also a time of prayers for Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. The festive cuisine is varied, with dishes like samosas, ladoos and gulab jamun. This festival symbolizes spiritual and material renewal.
- Samosas : Triangular donuts stuffed with vegetables (potatoes, peas) or spicy meat.
- Modak : Fried balls of dough dipped in a syrup flavored with cardamom and rose water.
- Ladoo : Small sweet balls made from chickpea flour, sugar, cardamom and ghee (clarified butter).
- Aloo Sabzi : Spicy potato curry.
October 31: Halloween
Halloween, celebrated on October 31 primarily in the United States, Canada and Ireland, is a popular holiday marked by costumes, spooky decorations and the tradition of trick-or-treating. Of Celtic origin, this holiday has evolved into a modern celebration where children collect candy from door to door. Pumpkins carved into “Jack-o'-lanterns” and haunted houses are emblematic elements of this night. Halloween also allows adults to dress up and participate in themed parties. It is a celebration of imagination, mystery and horror.
- Gluten-free pumpkin pie : a pie crust made from almond flour and rice flour. A spicy topping, with pumpkin puree, eggs, coconut milk.
- Candy Apples
- Caramelized apples which can be decorated with nuts or sugar.
- Pumpkin Soup
- Pumpkin being the star vegetable of Halloween, a creamy soup made with pumpkin puree and spices.
- 4. Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers : Peppers sculpted to look like lanterns are stuffed with a mixture of rice, ground meat or vegetables. Another recipe, with a different stuffing: peppers stuffed with chicken, millet and butternut is also delicious.
