Kwanzaa traditions link African traditions and American customs.
Learn more about the holiday’s important history, symbols, and customs.
Kwanzaa is a relatively new observance in December, dating back to 1966.
Credit: Sue Barr/Getty Images
“Kwanzaa is an African American cultural holiday,” saysblogger Riche Holmes Grant.
“It’s all about family, community, and being together.”
As with any holiday, Kwanzaa traditions vary and continue to evolve with each celebration.
Credit: Sue Barr/Getty Images
And they’re different for each family!
These arethe meaningful ways Riche’s family celebrates Kwanzaa.
When Is Kwanzaa 2024?
Kwanzaa begins on Thursday, December 26, and lasts through Wednesday, January 1.
He focused the holiday on seven core principles, expressed in Swahili as Nguzo Saba(nn-Goo-zoh SAH-bah).
“Each night our family lights a candle and shares reflections on the daily principle,” Riche says.
The three red candles represent self-determination, collective work and responsibility, and cooperative economics.
The three green candles are for purpose, creativity, and faith.
Riche Holmes Grant
Kwanzaa is another way to connect during the holidays.
Kwanzaa traditions also reflect this diversity.
Typically, gifts are handmade and educational, teaching something about the heritage of people of African descent.
Thoughtful visitors might bring small gifts for the residents, like bookmarks or socks with Kwanzaa-colored trim.
Planning Special Meals
Food is an integral part of the celebration.
During Kwanzaa, some peopleabstain from eating meator fast until the Kwanzaa feast.
This decision is a personal choice.
The decision to omit meat can also be linked to Kwanzaa principles, such as self-determination and faith.
“Kwanzaa is another way to connect during the holidays,” says Riche.
This menu can be a cooperative effort with each person bringing a dish.
These dishes can be family favorites or foods of one particular country.
