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Spread joy and unity this holiday season with Kwanzaa traditions like lighting the kinara, sharing meaningful gifts, and feasting together.
Get ready to celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Kwanzaa on December 26! This holiday, which originated in the United States in 1966, celebrates African heritage and values. It is a week-long celebration that focuses on seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. During this special time, families come together to honor their ancestry, share stories and meals, and exchange meaningful gifts. So mark your calendar for this joyous occasion and get ready to embrace the spirit of unity and community with loved ones!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1966</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Kwanzaa Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dr. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa as a cultural response to the commercialization of Christmas.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1971</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Kwanzaa Stamp</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States Postal Service issued the first Kwanzaa stamp as a recognition of the holiday’s cultural significance.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Widespread Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>By this time, Kwanzaa was widely recognized and celebrated nationally.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Kwanzaa in Media</div><div class='timeline-text'>Kwanzaa starts being represented in media, showcasing the ceremonial practices to a larger audience.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2004</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>New Kwanzaa Stamp</div><div class='timeline-text'>The USPS issued a new, more colorful Kwanzaa stamp, further establishing the cultural importance of the holiday.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Today, Kwanzaa is celebrated globally by millions of people of African descent.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a Kwanzaa-inspired craft</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make a Kwanzaa-inspired craft to decorate your home. From paper lanterns to unity cups, there are plenty of DIY ideas out there to celebrate this holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a Kwanzaa-themed dinner party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends and family over for a Kwanzaa-themed dinner party. Serve traditional African dishes and have discussions about the seven principles of Kwanzaa.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Kwanzaa festival or event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local community calendar for any Kwanzaa festivals or events happening in your area. This is a great way to experience the holiday with others and learn more about its traditions and customs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a community service project</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Kwanzaa emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community, so why not volunteer at a local service project in honor of the holiday? This is a meaningful and impactful way to celebrate.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read books or watch movies about Kwanzaa</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your family and spend an evening reading books or watching movies that focus on Kwanzaa. This is a great way to educate yourself and your loved ones about the history and significance of the holiday.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates African heritage and culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Kwanzaa is a holiday that focuses on African traditions, values, and history. It is a way to honor and preserve these important aspects of African culture and pass them down to future generations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes community building</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>During Kwanzaa, people come together to celebrate, reflect, and share their experiences. This fosters a sense of unity and solidarity within the community, which is an essential aspect of the holiday's principles.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages self-improvement and growth</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The seven principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba) are focused on values such as unity, purpose, creativity, and responsibility - all of which promote personal growth and improvement. Kwanzaa serves as a reminder to constantly strive towards being better individuals for ourselves and our communities.</p></div></div>
Kwanzaa is celebrated on December 26 every year. In 2024, Kwanzaa will fall on a Thursday.
2023
Dec 26
Tuesday
2024
Dec 26
Thursday
2025
Dec 26
Friday
2026
Dec 26
Saturday
2027
Dec 26
Sunday
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