Kwanzaa 2023: How and where to celebrate the holiday in NC’s Triangle area
We’re putting together a list of Kwanzaa celebrations taking place across the Raleigh and Triangle area this holiday season.
Kwanzaa begins annually on Tuesday, Dec. 26. Its last day is Monday, Jan. 1.
The holiday celebrates seven values in African culture: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith.
We’ll update this list throughout December, so bookmark it online and check back often. If you see something we missed that you think we should include, let us know by emailing ask@newsobserver.com.
Tuesday, December 26
▪ Hayti Legacy Kwanzaa Celebration: This event will feature Africa Unplugged and have a candle lighting ceremony, African drumming, soul yoga by Twisted Yogi, a vendor marketplace and more. All proceeds support the Hayti Legacy Kwanzaa & Hayti Heritage Center. This event is curated by The Magic of African Rhythm. Suggested donation $1 to $5. When: 1-6:30 p.m. Where: 804 Old Fayetteville St. in Durham Info: hayti.org
Friday, December 29
▪ Drummers & Storytellers as Our Great Griots: Cary’s 2023 Kwanzaa Celebration at the Cary Arts Center. The robust program includes traditional Kwanzaa performers and presenters with dance, drumming, storytelling and visual arts. When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave. in Cary Info: carync.gov
Monday, January 1
▪ African American Dance Ensemble’s 38th Kwanzaa Fest: The festivities are free and open to the public, as AADE seeks to preserve and promote traditions of African and African American dance and music to the broad community. When: Doors open 12 p.m., performances begin 2 p.m. Where: Durham Armory, 212 Foster St. in Durham Info: facebook.com/events/1171641766937634
This story was originally published December 19, 2023 at 11:41 AM.
