 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. 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. 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.