Kwanzaa is an African American cultural celebration that focuses on harvest and builds pride and unity within the Black community. The seven principles – Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamma, Nia, Kuumba and Imani – are celebrated through dancing, singing, the Kinara lighting and a huge feast with loved ones.
Families who celebrate Kwanzaa can celebrate with a fun craft, recipes and activities listed in this family guide.
The food
Sitting down and having a meal with your loved ones is essential to celebrating this holiday. If you want to try something new, we suggest these fun recipes.
- Diverse Holiday Treat Ideas for Families to Make Together (Metro Parent): This list of recipes offers beene seed wafers and sweet potato cupcakes for Kwanzaa — plus Christmas, Hanukkah and Divali ideas, too!
- The Best Kwanzaa Recipes (Food Network): This page of recipes from Food Network offers a new twist on southern collard greens, curried sweet potato puree and much more.
Kwanzaa activities
Red, green and black — the colors of the Black Liberation flag — are an important part of the holiday. Many families decorate their homes in these colors and set up a seven-branch candleholder known as a Kinara, with seven red, green and black candles, one of which is lit each day during Kwanzaa.
For families with kids, you may be looking for ways to tap into their creativity with these colors and they can with these fun craft ideas.
- Kwanzaa Crafts & Activities (Happy Toddler Playtime): This roundup offers fun ideas including a handprint Kinara, a Unity Cup craft and more.
- Kwanzaa Crafts from Fun Family Crafts (Fun Family Crafts): Check out this site for a folded paper or egg carton Kwanzaa Kinaras, flags of Africa cards, Kwanzaa flags and more.
Looking for even more Kwanzaa fun? Check out the Chicago Parent roundup of Kwanzaa Family Events happening this year!
Happy Kwanzaa!
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