🕯️ Kwanzaa
December 26 – January 1 Grades K–5
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African American culture and heritage, from December 26 to January 1.
📅 Next dates
- Saturday, December 26, 2026
- Sunday, December 26, 2027
- Tuesday, December 26, 2028
📖 The story
Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Its name comes from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza," meaning "first fruits."
Each of the seven days honors one principle (Nguzo Saba), such as Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (working together), Ujamaa (supporting each other’s businesses), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). A candle holder called the kinara holds seven candles — black, red and green.
✨ Traditions
- Lighting the kinara
- The seven principles
- A feast called the Karamu on December 31
- Handmade gifts
✂️ Activities
Paper Kinara
- Glue a brown paper strip as the base.
- Add 3 red candles on the left, 1 black in the middle and 3 green on the right.
- Write one principle on each candle.
Kwanzaa quiz
How many days does Kwanzaa last?
What does "Kwanzaa" come from?
What is the candle holder called?
What does Umoja mean?
💭 Let’s write
Which of the seven principles is most important to you?
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