When does kwanzaa start 2011

On Saturday, Dec. Festivities are from 12 p. Maulana Karenga. For information and directions, call For more information go to www. Cultural performances will begin at p. John Bolling, executive director of the Mandala Soul-Cultrual Institute, will serve as keynote speaker for the event. Karenga was then inspired by the African harvest celebrations to establish his own non-religious holiday that would stress the importance of family and community.

So, on December 26, , Karenga led his community in celebrating the first Kwanzaa. With its fusion of ancient African practices and African-American ideals and aspirations, Kwanzaa is a non-denominational celebration. It is seen as a time for the gathering of families, and for rededication to the seven principles of Nguzo Saba , a set of values as expressed by Karenga. The Kwanzaa principles are Umoja unity , Kujichagulia self-determination , Ujima collective work and responsibility , Ujamaa cooperative economics , Nia purpose , Kuumba creativity , and Imani faith.

Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of these principles. The first is the black candle in the center, which symbolizes African people everywhere. Three red candles, representing the blood of ancestors, are on the left. Many people celebrate both Kwanzaa and Christmas. Though often thought of as an alternative to Christmas , many people actually celebrate both. Kwanzaa centers around seven principles. The seven principles of Kwanzaa, as determined by Karenga, are umoja unity , kujichagulia self-determination , ujima collective work and responsibility , ujamaa cooperative economics , nia purpose , kuumba creativity and imani faith.

Kwanzaa also has seven symbols—mazao crops , mkeka mat , kinara candleholder , muhindi corn , kikombe cha umoja unity cup , zawadi gifts and mishumaa saba seven candles —that are traditionally arranged on a table. Three of the seven candles are red, representing the struggle; three of the candles are green, representing the land and hope for the future; and one of the candles is Black, representing people of African descent. Some families who celebrate Kwanzaa dress up or decorate their homes in those colors.