Kwanzaa is an African American cultural holiday. It is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st. During Kwanzaa people say “Habari Gani.” It means “What’s the news?”

Kwanzaa celebrates the traditional values of family, community responsibility, and culture. Dr. Maulena Karenga, a college professor, created this holiday in 1966.

Kwanzaa is Swahili for “first fruits of the harvest.” Swahili is the native language of several countries in east Africa.

The Kinara Kwanzaa’s colors are red, black, and green. A candle holder with seven candles is a traditional decoration. This holder is called a kinara. A kinara has three red candles on the left, three green candles on the right, and a black candle in the middle. The seven candles reflect the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Kwanzaa is based on seven principles Kwanzaa is based on seven principles. Each day of Kwanzaa focuses on one of the principles.

Day 1: Umoja—Unity

Day 2: Kujichagulia—Self-Determination

Day 3: Ujima—Collective Work and Responsibility

Day 4: Ujamaa—Cooperative Economics

Day 5: Nia—Purpose

Day 6: Kuumba—Creativity

Day 7: Imani—Faith

Kwanzaa is seven days long Kwanzaa is seven days long. These seven principles emphasize traditional African values.

Kwanzaa celebrations are held in homes, churches, community centers, temples, and mosques. A Kwanzaa table must have fresh fruit and vegetables. There must be an ear of corn for each child at the feast. People who celebrate Kwanzaa exchange gifts on January 1st, the last day of Kwanzaa.