Resources for Studying St. Augustine & the Real First Thanksgiving

Teachers and parents! Check out these resources for learning about America's real first Thanksgiving in St. Augustine - 56 years before Plymouth.

Learn the history behind St. Augustine or just scroll down to the online and printable resources available for educators (and parents). 

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St. Augustine's First Thanksgiving Meal

Fifty-six years before the Pilgrims gathered at Plymouth, another significant event unfolded in America—a feast that marks the real first Thanksgiving. The feast of unity and gratitude took place in the city of St. Augustine, laying the foundation for a tradition that would resonate across centuries.

Wood carving of  Pedro Menendez de Aviles

José Camarón y Boronat (1730-1803), published by Franco de Paula Marti in 1791, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés

In the early 1560s, a group of Spanish settlers led by Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés arrived on the shores of what is now Florida. They established a settlement and named it St. Augustine. These pioneers faced challenges as they built their new home, but they persevered, cultivating the land and creating a community. St. Augustine still exists today and is considered to be the oldest city in the United States.

The Feast of 1565

On September 8, 1565, Menéndez and his men celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving. They invited the Timucua people, who were the first inhabitants of the area. 

This was the first time people got together to show they were thankful and to celebrate their beliefs in the first permanent town in North America established by Europeans.

A Feast of Unity

This feast was not just about sharing food; it was a celebration of unity and friendship. The Spanish settlers invited the local peoples to join them in this moment of gratitude. Together, they sat around tables laden with the fruits of their labor—freshly harvested vegetables, fruits, and the bounty of the sea.

A Diverse Menu

The menu of this first Thanksgiving in St. Augustine reflected the diverse cultures that came together. The Spanish provided dishes such as paella and cocido, and probably red wine. The Native American contributions were probably turkey, venison, corn, beans, and squash. The exchange of culinary traditions symbolized the blending of two worlds and the birth of a unique cultural heritage.

Gratitude and Friendship

As the settlers and Native Americans shared this feast, they expressed their appreciation for the blessings of the land and the friendships that had formed. 

This celebration went beyond the simple act of sharing a meal; it marked a commitment to understanding and embracing the differences between their cultures.

The Legacy of St. Augustine's First Thanksgiving

St. Augustine's first Thanksgiving set the stage for the spirit of gratitude that would come to define the Thanksgiving celebrations we know today. It was a genuine coming together of people from different backgrounds, sharing in a moment of appreciation for the blessings they had received.

The Plymouth Feast

While the story of the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth is well-known, it's essential to recognize the earlier celebration that took place in St. Augustine. As we gather with family and friends each year to give thanks, let's remember the pioneers of St. Augustine, whose feast of unity and gratitude laid the groundwork for a tradition that continues to bring people together across the diverse tapestry of America.

Online Resources

The best online site for learning about St. Augustine, Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, and the Timucua is without a doubt the Florida Museum's online exhibit. 

For critical thinking, check out this article by History.com: Did Florida Host the First Thanksgiving?

For a deep dive into the Timucua, this video: Thimogoua: The Timucua People - Deptford & St. John's Culture - Florida & Georgia, USA by Jaguar Bird. ** I strongly recommend that parents and teachers preview this video before showing it to their kids.**

Printable Lessons

Florida Museum also has a printable educator's guide called First Colony: Our Spanish Origins that is excellent. 

If you want a simple, print-and-go resource, MommyMaestra's St. Augustine: The Real First Thanksgiving one-page reading passage is the way to go. It also comes with a Google Slides presentation.

Recommended Reading

America's Real First Thanksgiving: St. Augustine, Florida, September 8, 1565
by Robyn Gioia

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Thanksgiving Specials: Sweet Potato Flan

Every year, I look for new recipes with Latin twists to try during the holidays. This year, I'm excited about this sweet potato flan recipe from Ericka at NibblesAndFeasts.com!

Sweet Potato Flan by Nibbles and Feasts

There are two things I like about this recipe. First, it can be made in advance. If you are like me, then Thanksgiving morning is a crazy day in the kitchen. This flan can be made a day or two in advance and kept in the fridge.

Second, you can sub canned sweet potatoes rather than cook them if you are pressed for time.

Ericka walks you through the recipe over here on her blog. So go print off the recipe and try something new this year!

What is Flan?

If you aren't familiar with flan, the best way I can describe it is that it's a luscious caramel-crowned custard. And its history as rich and diverse as its decadent flavor. 

This dessert's roots can be traced back to the Roman Empire, where a dish called "tyropatinam" made with honey and milk served as a precursor to the modern flan. The concept traveled through medieval Europe and the Middle East, evolving into various custard-based sweets. 

However, it wasn't until the spread of Moorish influence in Spain that the dish truly transformed into what we recognize as flan today. The Moors introduced the use of caramelized sugar, a key component that imparts the signature golden hue and rich taste to flan.

Flan in the Americas

As explorers and settlers ventured to the Americas, they brought this sweet tradition with them. In Latin America, flan became a canvas for creative adaptations, blending indigenous ingredients with European culinary techniques. In fact, the dessert took on regional nuances, incorporating local flavors and textures. 

Today, flan holds a cherished place in the hearts and tables of countless cultures, showcasing the global fusion of culinary influences. Whether served plain, infused with unique flavors, or paired with regional twists like sweet potato, flan continues to be a timeless and beloved treat that transcends borders and centuries.

Exploring Thanksgiving Flavors in Flan

While sweet potato flan is a delightful departure from the traditional pumpkin pie, there are even more Thanksgiving flavors to experiment with in this classic Latin American dessert.

Consider infusing your flan with the warm, aromatic essence of cinnamon and nutmeg for a holiday spice kick. Alternatively, try incorporating the rich, toasty notes of pecans or walnuts to add a satisfying crunch. For a citrusy twist, consider infusing the custard with orange or lime zest, providing a refreshing contrast to the sweet potato base.

These creative variations not only pay homage to Latin culinary traditions but also offer a unique and delicious spin on the classic flan, making your Thanksgiving celebration a truly memorable one.

More Latin-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes

This post is part of a series of Thanksgiving Day recipes with a cultural twist shared each year during Thanksgiving week here on MommyMaestra.

To view other delicious recipes, follow our Thanksgiving Break Specials.

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