Christmas and Hanukkah These are not the only holidays celebrated in December. Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration of African culture, heritage and traditions, is also returning soon this winter.
Here's everything you need to know about Kwanzaa 2025.
When is Kwanzaa 2025?
Kwanzaa, a ten-year-old holiday inspired by African harvest festivals, is held annually from December 26 to January 1, with celebrations taking place across the country.
When is the first day of Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa begins this year on Friday, December 26th.
Who invented Kwanzaa?
Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies at California State University, founded Kwanzaa in 1966, according to USA TODAY.
What religion celebrates Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is a non-religious, secular holiday primarily celebrated in North America and the Caribbean.
What does Kwanzaa mean in Swahili?
The word Kwanzaa comes from the last word of the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits.” This term honors seven children who attended one of the first Kwanzaa celebrations. The Encyclopedia Britannica reports this..
7 Principles of Kwanzaa
Seven principles represent each day of Kwanzaa:
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Self-determination or self-determination.
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Ujima or collective responsibility.
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Ujamma or cooperative economy.
Seven candles in red, green, and black are placed in a kinara, a candlestick used specifically for Kwanzaa to symbolize each day of the holiday. During Kwanzaa, people typically reflect on the seven principles, light candles, and have a karama, or feast, usually on December 31st.
This article originally appeared on the Cincinnati Enquirer: When is Kwanzaa 2025? What you need to know about the African American holiday
