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How to Celebrate Kwanzaa
The easiest way to celebrate Kwanzaa is to decorate your home with colorful art and objects representative of traditional African culture. Women may wear kaftans and fruit bowls can be set out to represent African idealism. Nothing should interfere with Kwanzaa symbols, flags, and images to preserve the integrity of the holiday. The week typically culminates with a feast of singing, drumming, and gift-giving.
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Who Celebrates Kwanzaa?
Anyone can celebrate Kwanzaa, though it is most commonly observed by members of the African-American community.
Kwanzaa is observed Dec. 26 - Jan. 1.
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What Religion Celebrates Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, though it is frequently celebrated in conjunction with Christmas. Instead, it is a seven-day celebration of African-American culture.
A weeklong celebration that honors seven core principles from African heritage in African-American culture. These principles are: Collective Work and Responsibility (ujima), Cooperative Economics (ujamaa), Creativity (kuumba), Faith (Imani), Purpose (nia), Unity (umoja), and Self-Determination (kujichagulia). Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, founded Kwanzaa in 1966 as a way to reconnect the African-American community with their roots. The word "Kwanzaa" is derived from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," which means "first fruits of the harvest."
Cinco de Mayo
