About Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration of African roots — observed by people of all faith backgrounds —that’s anchored by seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba aimed at helping build and reinforce community. Our special celebration and programming will include traditional music, ranging from drum circles to dance groups, as well as a performance by a storyteller who will share the culture and tradition of this special holiday.
History & Ways to Celebrate
Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African festival, celebrated by people of all faith backgrounds, that uplifts culture and community. Made official in 1966, Kwanzaa brings families and communities together for seven nights (December 26–January 1) to celebrate Nguzo Saba, or the Seven Principles: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work & Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith)
Kwanzaa brings together cultural traditions and practices from various cultures and peoples across the vast African continent, from throughout the African diaspora, and from traditions and values carried on within African American communities. The holiday was developed by Dr. Maulana Karenga, longtime activist and Professor of Africana Studies, as a specifically African-American holiday. Inspired by the first fruits festivals celebrated by some cultural groups in Southern Africa around the time of the December solstice, Kwanzaa centers itself on community, beauty, celebration, and looking toward the future with hope.
Popular symbols of Kwanzaa include a Kinara (candle-holder with seven candlesticks; one black, three red, three green, to represent the Nguzo Saba), Mazao and Mahindi (crops and corn, as part of the holiday’s harvest-festival roots), and a Kikombe cha Umoja (unity cup, shared among the people celebrating together.)
