Kwanzaa

Another holiday in December is Kwanzaa that starts on December 26 and ends on January 1. It was created by Dr Maulana Krenga in 1966 after the Watts riots in Los Angeles, California. He had founded a cultural organization and started researching African “first fruit” or harvest celebrations. He formed the basis for Kwanzaa from different harvest celebrations.

The name of this celebration comes from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza” meaning “first fruits” in the Swahili language. Every family celebrates in their own way but the celebrations include songs and dances. There is also poetry reading, storytelling and it all comes together with a large traditional meal. On every one of the seven nights, families come together and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara. An African feast known as a Karanmu is held on December 31.