WASHINGTON — Move over Christmas and Hanukkah, it's time to celebrate Kwanzaa – the annual holiday is celebrated from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1 in the U.S.
Kwanzaa is a secular holiday that is observed by many African Americans as a celebration of their cultural heritage. It was created by activist Maulana Karenga and first celebrated in 1966.
Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the principles, as follows:
- Umoja (Unity)
- Kujichagulia (Self-determination)
- Ujima (Collective work and responsibility)
- Ujamaa (Cooperative economics)
- Nia (Purpose)
- Kuumba (Creativity)
- Imani (Faith)
Tuesday, Dec. 26:
Kwanzaa Celebration with Mamma Ayo at the Anacostia Community Museum
- The first day of the holiday is Tuesday. Storyteller Mama Ayo will host a kickoff program at the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum.
Wednesday, Dec. 27:
Kwanzaa Party with Culture Queen at the Anacostia Community Museum
- Join the Culture Queen on Wednesday and celebrate the principles of the holiday.
Ward 8 Kwanzaa Holiday Celebration at the Sycamore and Oak Indoor Pavillon
- The annual holiday celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. at Sycamore and Oak in Southeast, D.C.
- It will feature drummers, dancers, and a community feast.
- Learn about the meaning of the annual tradition and the seven principles of Kwanzaa principles: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith) and their impact on our community.
- Howard County's annual Kwanzaa celebration is coming to the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center in Columbia, Maryland.
Thursday, Dec. 28:
Kwanzaa Night at Cornerstone
- Expect African dancing, drumming, spoken word, local artists, and more at this event from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Mkeka Mat Making Workshop with Tamara Thomas
- Get ready to take a mkeka mat-making workshop starting at 1 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 29:
Kikombe Cha Umoja/Unity Cup Designing Workshop with Camilla Younger
- The party doesn't stop at the Anacostia Community Museum.
- Day four of the holiday will be celebrated at the museum with a instructor-led class on the Ujamaa. Participants will decorate a unity cup.
Saturday, Dec. 30:
Kwanzaa & Watch Night: Visions of Freedom at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Discover how Afrofuturism creates a link between Watch Night and Kwanzaa during this free event from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
- Watch Night marks the time when African Americans watched and waited for the Emancipation Proclamation to take effect on Jan. 1, 1863.
- To celebrate Frederick Douglass and other freedom seekers, visitors are invited to create a scrapbook with images from the museum's collection.
3rd Annual Kwanzaa & Kulture Purpose Brunch at the Beltway Plaza Mall
- The annual brunch and community talent show celebrating Kwanzaa kicks off at 4 p.m. and runs until 7 p.m.
- Guests can expect music, food, art, entertainment and more in honor of the holiday.
- Admission is a suggested donation of $15 per person, which will go toward supporting youth programs.
African Drumming & Storytelling with Baba Ras D
- Join the museum for African drumming and storytelling with Baba Ras D and learn all about the 5th principle of Kwanzaa, Nia.
Sunday, Dec. 31:
Kwanzaa Verbal Gymnastics with John Johnson at the Anacostia Community Museum
Poet and playwright John Johnson will lead Kwanzaa Verbal Gymnastics from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the museum in Southeast.
Monday, Jan. 1:
Family Card Making with Habeebah Muhammad
- The last day of Kwanzaa is focused on the principle Imani.
- Habeebah Muhammad will lead a discussion on the importance of faith in the family.
- Participants will create and design cards to express what they are thankful for in each family member.
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