When is Kwanzaa 2025? Who invented it? Dates, 7 principles and more
Christmas and Hanukkah aren’t the only holidays celebrated in December. Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration honoring 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 decades-old celebration inspired by African harvest festivals, takes place each year between December 26 and January 1, with celebrations taking place across the country.
When is the first day of Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa begins this year on Friday, December 26.
Who invented Kwanzaa?
Maulana Karenga, a professor of African studies at California State University, founded Kwanzaa in 1966, according to USA TODAY.
What religion celebrates Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is a secular, secular holiday primarily celebrated in North America and the Caribbean.
What does Kwanzaa mean in Swahili?
The word Kwanzaa is derived from the last word of the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “firstfruits.” The term honors the seven children who attended one of the first Kwanzaa celebrations, Encyclopedia Brittanica reports.
7 principles of Kwanzaa
Seven principles represent each day of Kwanzaa:
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Kujichagulia or self-determination.
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Ujima or collective responsibility.
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Ujamma or cooperative economy.
Seven candles in shades of red, green and black are placed in a kinara, a candle holder used specifically for Kwanzaa to symbolize each day of the holiday. During Kwanzaa, people typically reflect the seven principles, light the candles, and have a karamu, or feast, usually on December 31.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: When will Kwanzaa 2025 take place? What you need to know about the African-American holiday
