Kwanzaa begins

Seven principles, seven candles, seven days, since 1966.

Kwanzaa is observed from December 26 through January 1, created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a cultural holiday for African Americans to reconnect with African heritage and affirm communal values. Its name comes from the Swahili phrase 'matunda ya kwanza', 'first fruits', evoking the harvest tr