How to celebrate Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a holiday that celebrates African American heritage and culture. It runs from December 26th to January 1st, and each day focuses on one of the seven core values, also known as Nguzo Saba. These are:

• Umoja (unity)
• Kujichagulia (self-determination)
• Ujima (collective work and responsibility)
• Ujamaa (cooperative economics)
• Nia (purpose)
• Kuumba (creativity)
• Imani (faith)

To celebrate Kwanzaa, you will need some items to decorate your home, such as a kinara (candleholder), seven candles (one black, three red, and three green), a mkeka (mat), a kikombe cha umoja (unity cup), and some fruits, vegetables, nuts, or grains. You can also hang flags with the colors of Kwanzaa: black, red, and green.

Each day, you can light one candle in the kinara and discuss the principle of the day with your partner. You can also greet each other with “Habari gani?” which means “What’s the news?” in Swahili. You can also enjoy some activities that reflect the principles, such as reading stories or poems, listening to music or playing drums, making crafts or art, or volunteering for a cause.

On the sixth day, you can throw a big feast called the karamu, where you can invite your friends and family to share food from different African traditions, such as soul food, gumbo, okra, plantains, or couscous. You can also exchange gifts that are handmade or educational.

On the seventh day, you can reflect on your faith and what you believe in. You can also say farewell to Kwanzaa by saying “Harambee”, which means “Let’s pull together” in Swahili.

Kwanzaa is a time to celebrate your identity, culture, and community. It is a way to honor your ancestors and their struggles, as well as to inspire yourself and others for the future.