As millions prepare to celebrate Kwanzaa this year, the holiday’s theme resonates with particular significance: “Celebrating Kwanzaa in Difficult and Demanding Times: Lifting Up the Light that Lasts.”
The annual celebration of African American and Pan-African culture, running from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, arrives at a moment when many communities are seeking sources of strength and unity.
“As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense,” says Dr. Maulana Karenga, who founded the holiday in 1966 and continues to shape its evolution.
The weeklong celebration centers around seven core principles known as the Nguzo Saba, with each day dedicated to a specific value: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). These principles take on renewed meaning against the backdrop of contemporary challenges facing communities worldwide.
Unlike many year-end celebrations, Kwanzaa stands apart as a non-religious and non-commercial holiday. Its focus remains steadfastly on cultural heritage, community building and personal reflection. Each evening, families gather to light candles on the Kinara, a special candleholder that serves as a central symbol of the celebration, discussing the principle of the day and its modern applications.
The holiday culminates in the Karamu Ya Imani (Feast of Faith) on its final day, bringing communities together for a celebration that includes traditional African and African-American dishes, music and dance. Many participants also exchange meaningful gifts, often emphasizing cultural significance over commercial value.
The name “Kwanzaa” itself derives from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “first fruits of the harvest.” This agricultural reference connects modern celebrations to ancient African harvest festivals while emphasizing themes of growth and abundance that remain relevant today.
As communities prepare their Kiberas (traditional mats) and arrange their Mazao (crops) for display, this year’s theme encourages participants to reflect on how cultural traditions can provide stability and guidance during challenging times. The holiday’s emphasis on collective strength and cultural pride offers a timely reminder of the enduring power of community and heritage. Whether celebrated by families who have observed Kwanzaa for generations or those new to its traditions, the holiday continues to evolve while maintaining its core mission: strengthening community bonds and celebrating African American cultural identity. As participants gather to light the Kinara this year, they’ll be joining a worldwide celebration that bridges past and present, individual and community, challenge and hope.