Christmas and Hanukkah aren’t the only holidays celebrated in December. Kwanzaa, a weeklong holiday honoring African culture, heritage and tradition, is also returning soon this winter.
Here’s everything you need to know about Kwanzaa 2025.
When is Kwanzaa 2025?
Kwanzaa, a decades-long celebration inspired by African harvest festivals, occurs annually between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1, with celebrations taking place across the country.
When is the first day of Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa begins this year on Friday, Dec. 26.
Who invented Kwanzaa?
Maulana Karenga, an Africana studies professor at California State University, founded Kwanzaa in 1966, according to USA TODAY.
What religion celebrates Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa is a nonreligious, secular holiday that is mainly celebrated in North America and the Caribbean.
What does Kwanzaa mean in Swahili?
The word Kwanzaa is derived from the the last word of the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits.” 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:
Seven candles in shades of red, green and black are held in a kinara, which is a candleholder 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, typically on Dec. 31.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: When is Kwanzaa 2025? Who invented it? Dates, 7 principles and more
Reporting by Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
