Kwanzaa, which means “first fruits of the harvest” in Swahili, honors African heritage in the African-American culture. It lasts one week, beginning on Dec. 26 and ending on Jan. 1, with each day devoted to one of the seven core principles, known in Swahili as Nguzo Saba.
Here are some of the family-friendly celebrations taking place in Chicago this year:
Pre-Kwanzaa Holiday Market and Celebration
When: Dec. 13-14
Where: Harris Park, 6200 S. Drexel Blvd., Chicago
Shop with artists for unique, eclectic holiday gifts, storytelling, food and fun for the entire family. Includes workshops, shopping and activities.
Kwanzaa on the 9
When: Dec. 14
Where: Whitney M. Young Jr. Branch Chicago Library, 415 E. 79th St., Chicago
Enjoy African storytelling, dance and drumming from 2-4 p.m. Children can make Kwanzaa pop-up greeting cards and enjoy Kwanzaa-inspired holiday window displays. See three new original Kwanzaa Puppet Show skits from 4-5 p.m.
The Principles of Kwanzaa
When: Dec. 14
Where: Coleman Branch, 731 E. 63rd St., Chicago
Celebrate and learn the customs and principles of Kwanzaa. The African American Services Committee and the Woodlawn Community Services Corporation host the annual event with special guest musician and storyteller Sister Niambi Shalewa.
Evanston Children's Choir Holiday Concert
When: Dec. 15
Where: Alice Millar Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston
Join Directors Gary Geiger, Sarah Bartolome and Bryan Johnson as they lead the entire Evanston Children’s Choir in its most popular concert of the year, celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa: Make it & Take it Craft
When: Dec. 26
Where: Brainerd Branch Library, 1350 W. 89th St., Chicago
Make a great craft to take home and keep, and see a demonstration on the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa Celebration
When: Dec. 26
Where: Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St., Evanston
Join friends and neighbors in celebrating the first day of Kwanzaa. There will be music, spoken word and dancing. There will also be the traditional lighting of the Kinara and recitation of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa.
Kwanzaa Candy Making
When: Dec. 28
Where: Cakewalk Chicago, 1741 W. 99th St., Chicago
Bakers ages 12 and older with their families can join in a sweet celebration of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principals of Kwanzaa) and learn to make delicious Zawadi (Gifts) for the Karamu (Feast). On the menu: Caramel Pecan Turtles, Mendiants, Suckers and more. Families will take home handcrafted candy ready for gift giving.
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This story originally published Dec. 7, 2018, and has been updated with the most recent information.
