Many people celebrate Christmas in late December. Others enjoy Hanukkah. But some also have a special holiday called Kwanzaa. Heard of it? Read on to find out about what this festival means!
Kwanzaa honors African American people and their heritage. The celebration began on December 26 and ends on January 1. Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966. He wanted to have an event to celebrate African pride.
“Kwanzaa is a time to reflect on our rich African culture,” said Okera Ras from the Bronx, New York. He told News-O-Matic that there are “seven universal principles of Kwanzaa.” They include unity, , teamwork, supporting each other, purpose, creativity, and faith. People who celebrate Kwanzaa light a candle for each of these principles.
Throughout Kwanzaa, families decorate their homes with African items. Those may include cloth patterns, baskets, or pieces of art. They want to welcome the holiday in a special way! Some use glow sticks or whistles to make it jollier!
During the Kwanzaa celebration, families come together for a feast (called the karamu). They eat foods such as chicken, veggies, and rice and beans. Like for Christmas and Hanukkah, there are gifts as well. They always include a book to represent education.
Ras had a message for Kwanzaa. “Children should know they are great,” he said. “They come from a long line of strength, intelligence, creativity, and .”
Updated December 26, 2022, 5:02 P.M.
By Hannah Kim
