In October, we celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada, El Día de la Raza in Colombia and Mexico, Oktoberfest in Germany, Independence Day in Nigeria, and Diwali in India. And of course, for children, we think of Halloween.
Week 1: Trip to Canada: Thanksgiving
Canadian Thanksgiving, celebrated on the second Monday of October, honors bountiful harvests and gratitude towards nature. This holiday is marked by a large family feast, including iconic dishes such as roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Unlike its American counterpart, it takes place earlier in the season. This holiday also provides an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends in a warm and festive atmosphere. Canadians use this day to celebrate the bounty of autumn.
- Roast turkey : Traditional main dish stuffed with gluten-free bread, vegetables, and sometimes dried fruit such as cranberries.
- Mashed potatoes : Served with gravy made from the turkey cooking juices.
- Pumpkin pie : An iconic dessert, often flavored with spices like cinnamon and ginger, made with a gluten-free pastry.
Week 2: Trip 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 central to the celebrations. 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 leaves and steamed.
- Ajiaco (Colombia) : A stew of potatoes, corn and chicken, usually accompanied by cream, capers and avocado.
- Pozole (Mexico) : A thick soup made with hominy corn and meat (often pork), garnished 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 showcases 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 similar festivals held 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 served with butter.
- Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) : A pork knuckle 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 vinegary sauce.
Week 4: Trip to Nigeria : Independence Day
October 1st, 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 such as 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 in 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: Trip 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 lighting oil lamps, setting off fireworks, and exchanging sweets. Diwali is also a time for prayers to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. Festive cuisine is varied, with dishes like samosas, ladoos, and gulab jamun. This festival symbolizes spiritual and material renewal.
- Samosas : Triangular pastries filled with vegetables (potatoes, peas) or spiced meat.
- Modak : Deep-fried dough balls soaked in a syrup flavored with cardamom and rosewater.
- Ladoo : Small sweet balls made from chickpea flour, sugar, cardamom and ghee (clarified butter).
- Aloo Sabzi : Spicy potato curry.
October 31st: Halloween
Halloween, celebrated on October 31st primarily in the United States, Canada, and Ireland, is a popular holiday characterized 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. Carved pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns and haunted houses are iconic elements of this night. Halloween also allows adults to dress up and participate in themed parties. It is a celebration of fantasy, mystery, and horror.
- Gluten-free pumpkin pie : a pie crust made with almond flour and rice flour. A spiced filling with pumpkin puree, eggs, and coconut milk.
- Candy Apples
- Caramelized apples that can be decorated with nuts or sugar.
- Pumpkin Soup
- Since pumpkin is the star vegetable of Halloween, a creamy soup made with pumpkin puree and spices is a popular choice.
- 4. Jack-o'-Lantern Stuffed Peppers : Peppers carved to resemble lanterns are stuffed with a mixture of rice, ground meat, or vegetables. Another recipe, with a different filling: peppers stuffed with chicken, millet, and butternut squash is also delicious.
