In pictures: Thanksgiving celebrations

1 of 7 Thanksgiving is a festival that celebrates a good harvest, and in particular the bountiful harvest that greeted the pilgrims the first autumn after their arrival in the New World.

2 of 7 In New York, technicians began inflating character balloons to take part in the 77th Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.

3 of 7 The annual parade pulls estimated TV ratings of 65 million Americans. Parades are also held in Chicago and Philadelphia.

4 of 7 The surprise for most Americans began in Baghdad where President Bush served the traditional turkey to soldiers.

5 of 7 Soldiers stationed in Saddam Hussein's home town of Tikrit try to recreate the flavours of home cooking...

6 of 7 Those serving in Afghanistan weren't forgotten either - with Hilary Rodham Clinton joining them.

7 of 7 Meanwhile, for the less fortunate, charities such as the Los Angeles Mission put special effort into providing a good turkey meal.