Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African American culture and heritage, observed from December 26 to January 1. Created in 1966, it celebrates family, community and culture through seven principles, one for each day. Families light candles on a kinara, discuss the principle of the day, share stories and come together for a feast near the end of the week. Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not a religious one, so it can be celebrated alongside other holidays.
History of Kwanzaa (begins)
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor and activist, in the aftermath of the Watts uprising in Los Angeles. He wanted to create a holiday that would bring African Americans together, reconnect them with African cultural heritage, and affirm community values.
The name comes from the Swahili phrase 'matunda ya kwanza', meaning 'first fruits', and draws on African harvest celebrations. Swahili was chosen as a widely spoken African language.
Kwanzaa is built around seven principles, known as the Nguzo Saba: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). Each day focuses on one principle.
Symbols include the kinara, a candleholder with seven candles called the mishumaa saba: three red, three green and one black in the center. The colors represent the people (black), their struggle (red) and the future and hope (green). Other symbols include the mkeka (mat), crops, corn and a unity cup. A feast called the karamu is traditionally held on December 31.
Why Kwanzaa (begins) Matters
Kwanzaa celebrates African American identity, culture and history, and encourages values like unity, responsibility and creativity that strengthen families and communities.
It's also a time for reflection and goal-setting at the end of the year, with principles that apply to everyday life.
How to Celebrate Kwanzaa (begins)
- Learn the seven principles and discuss one each day.
- Light the kinara: light one candle each night, starting with the black candle.
- Support Black-owned businesses, reflecting the principle of Ujamaa.
- Share stories: talk about family history and African heritage.
- Create something: celebrate Kuumba with art, music or poetry, and give handmade gifts (zawadi).
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, share information about Kwanzaa and its principles, support Black-owned suppliers, or invite an employee resource group to share how they celebrate, if they wish. In schools, which are usually on break during Kwanzaa, teachers can introduce the holiday before winter break, discussing the seven principles and their meaning, reading picture books about Kwanzaa, or creating paper kinaras. At home, families who celebrate light the kinara each evening, discuss the day's principle and how to live it, and share a karamu feast on December 31. Those who don't celebrate can learn respectfully, attend a community Kwanzaa event or support Black-owned businesses during the week.
Fun Facts About Kwanzaa (begins)
- Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga.
- Its name comes from the Swahili phrase for 'first fruits'.
- The kinara holds seven candles: three red, three green and one black.
Kwanzaa (begins) FAQs
When is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa runs from December 26 to January 1.
Who created Kwanzaa?
Dr. Maulana Karenga created it in 1966.
What are the seven principles of Kwanzaa?
Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba and Imani.
Is Kwanzaa a religious holiday?
No. It's a cultural holiday that can be celebrated alongside religious holidays.