The Kwanzaa festival is a celebration of the African-American community that takes place right after Christmas for Christians. It runs from December 26th to January 1st of the following year, and is celebrated mainly in the United States.

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During a week of festivities, Kwanzaa celebrates African heritage, unity and culture. In addition to the USA, the tradition has spread to other regions, such as Canada, England and the Caribbean, and has been embraced by African-American people and black people from the African diaspora.

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The word kwanzaa comes from the phrase “matunda ya kwanza”, from the Swahili language, and means “the first fruits”. Swahili is a Bantu language and is present in more than ten African countries. The celebration of Kwanzaa is governed by principles that are interconnected and carry meanings.

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Each feast day is represented and reflected from a different principle. The Kwanzaa symbol is a candlestick with seven candles, three green, three red and one black, all representing the principles.

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