What Day Is It?Kwanzaa begins on December 26, 2026 and runs through January 1. It is a seven-day celebration of African American culture, family and community, and the dates are the same every year.
Who created Kwanzaa?
Maulana Karenga, a professor of Africana studies, created Kwanzaa in 1966. He wanted a celebration rooted in African heritage for Black Americans. The name comes from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, “first fruits,” a nod to harvest festivals across Africa.
Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday, not a religious one, so people often celebrate it alongside Christmas or other holidays.
The seven principles
Each day is dedicated to one principle, called the Nguzo Saba.
| Day | Principle | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Umoja | Unity |
| 2 | Kujichagulia | Self-determination |
| 3 | Ujima | Collective work and responsibility |
| 4 | Ujamaa | Cooperative economics |
| 5 | Nia | Purpose |
| 6 | Kuumba | Creativity |
| 7 | Imani | Faith |
How it is celebrated
A candle holder called the kinara holds seven candles: three red, three green and one black in the center. One is lit each evening, and families talk about that day’s principle. The sixth day brings a large shared feast called the karamu. Gifts, known as zawadi, are often handmade or educational.
What to say
“Happy Kwanzaa” is fine. Some people greet each other with Habari gani?, Swahili for “What’s the news?”, and answer with the principle of the day.
Kwanzaa dates
| Year | Date | Day of the week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 26 | Saturday |
| 2027 | December 26 | Sunday |
| 2028 | December 26 | Tuesday |
Frequently asked questions
Is Kwanzaa religious?
No. It is a cultural celebration, and people of many faiths observe it.
Can you celebrate Kwanzaa and Christmas?
Yes, and many families do.