Thanksgiving is an annual harvest festival celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., it falls on the fourth Thursday of November, while in Canada, it's observed on the second Monday of October. This holiday traces its roots to a 1621 celebration when Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a feast to mark a successful harvest. Today, Thanksgiving is characterized by family gatherings, traditional meals featuring roast turkey, expressions of gratitude, parades, and often American football games. It kicks off the holiday season and is followed by Black Friday, a major shopping event.