Seasonal Traditions in Miami

11/12/24

Holiday dinners, such as Thanksgiving, are often a cherished tradition for some families who gather around the table to celebrate gratitude and togetherness. This communal spirit fosters connection, allowing loved ones to reflect on their lives while enjoying the warmth of family and friendship. Over the years, these traditions have taken on unique characteristics in Miami-Dade County, influenced by the area’s nuances, such as its coastal waterways, tropical climate, and diverse residents which often inspire creative dishes and festive celebrations.

The Library’s Digital Collection of photographs, scrapbooks, and historical newspapers document many of these notable holiday traditions in South Florida.

Beginning in the 1930s, Florida Power and Light Co. promoted the benefits of electric cooking with Thanksgiving-themed window displays. In 1934, the display proclaimed, "Thanksgiving dinner is no problem when cooked electrically," emphasizing the convenience and ease of electric appliances. The following year, the 1935 display, titled "Let's Talk Turkey," continued this theme, highlighting electric cooking as a modern solution for holiday meals. These displays reflected the growing shift toward electric appliances in Florida households, positioning them as essential for hassle-free cooking.

Florida Power and Light Co. window display: "Thanksgiving Dinner is No Problem When Cooked Electrically," 1934 and "Let's Talk Turkey," 1935, Gleason Waite Romer Collection.

In 1941, The Miami News published an article titled “Early Miamians Thankful for Relief from Horse Flies and Mosquitoes” by S.W. Matthews capturing unconventional Thanksgiving festivities in the County from early Miami pioneers. The reporter wrote that while “turkeys were more of a staple of food and roasted in the pine woods” across Miami’s beautiful landscape, roasted duck and baked red snapper were the desired delicacy on local Miamian’s Thanksgiving menus. The complete article is pictured below, for your viewing pleasure.

Miami, Vol. 11 A, pages 32 and 33, “Early Miamians Thankful for Relief from Horse Flies and Mosquitoes,” 1941. Agnew Welsh Scrapbooks Collection

The Library’s collection of seasonal celebrations also captured the ordination of Reverend Edward T. Graham on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1946. Reverend Graham was ordained to serve the gospel ministry at Mount Zion Baptist Church, known as one of the first meeting places for civil rights movement leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

As the executive secretary of the Negro Service Council, Graham was a prominent figure in Miami. His ordination marked a significant moment for his faith, his commitment to social justice, and his future leadership within the church and the broader Overtown community. The ceremony underscored his dedication to uplifting African Americans in Miami through both spiritual guidance and active advocacy.

Lastly, in 1984, The Miccosukee Everglades News captured a heartwarming scene of children from Miami-Dade’s Head Start program sharing a Thanksgiving meal. The event provided a festive meal and reinforced the importance of communal gatherings, where children from different cultural backgrounds could connect with each other and learn about shared customs in a supportive environment. Through such stories, the newspaper documented moments celebrating community, resilience, and cultural appreciation within the Miccosukee Tribe.

Although Miami’s seasonal traditions and celebrations have changed and evolved with the times, its origins remain engrained in our local culture. To explore many more of these moments, please browse our Digital Collection.