In November, California comes alive with a myriad of customs reflecting its diverse population. The most prominent among these is Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month. Californians, like the rest of the country, gather with family and friends to share a feast, often featuring a roasted turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.

Homemade Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie
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The state is also known for its unique twist on traditional Thanksgiving dishes. With its agricultural abundance, farm-to-table side dishes incorporating fresh, local produce are popular. Avocado, artichokes, and Dungeness crab often find their way onto the Californian Thanksgiving table.

Hearty seafood dinner ready to eat.
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Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is another widely celebrated custom in November. California is home to a large South Asian community, and cities like Fremont and Cupertino host vibrant Diwali festivals, filled with lights, traditional dance, and mouthwatering sweets.

Diwali And Annakut Are Celebrated At The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir In Neasden
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The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is also celebrated at the start of November. This Mexican tradition honors deceased loved ones with colorful altars adorned with marigolds, candles, and photos. In Southern California, especially Los Angeles, this custom is embraced with public parades, sugar skull decorations, and traditional foods.

Row of colorful dia de los muertos sugar skulls on wooden shelf at local festival market
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Wine enthusiasts partake in November's wine harvest celebrations in regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma. The harvest season is marked by wine-tasting events, vineyard tours, and festivals celebrating the state's world-renowned wine industry.

Supreme Court Strikes Down Ban On Interstate Wine Sales
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