Happy Kwanzaa! Find events in the Triangle and learn how the holiday is celebrated
We’re putting together a list of Kwanzaa celebrations taking place across the Raleigh and Triangle area this holiday season.
Kwanzaa begins annually on Thursday, Dec. 26. Its last day is Monday, Jan. 1.
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.
How is Kwanzaa celebrated?
“The most important part of Kwanzaa is the seven principles. Even though Kwanzaa is celebrated at the end of the year, we are supposed to be thinking about and living out these seven principles all year long,” Andaiye Qaasim, assistant director of NC State’s African American Cultural Center, previously told The News & Observer.
The Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba) are:
Umoja (unity)
Kujichagulia (self-determination)
Ujima (collective work and responsibility)
Ujamaa (cooperative economics)
Nia (purpose)
Kuumba (creativity)
Imani (faith)
“The principles come from an Afro-Diasporic cultural framework, but they also transcend religious beliefs or even one cultural framework. They’re ultimately universal, and that’s one of the most powerful parts of Kwanzaa,” Qaasim said.
How to celebrate Kwanzaa
• Light the kinara each night: The seven candles on the kinara — the candle holder — signifies each of the holiday’s principles.
The kinara has three red candles on the left, three green candles on the right and one black candle in the center. The black candle, which represents unity (umoja), is lit first. Then lighting alternates between the red and green candles, beginning on the outside of the kinara and moving inward. One candle is lit per day of the celebration.
These candle colors symbolize the holiday’s people (black), the noble blood uniting all people of African ancestry (red) and Africa’s rich land (green). They can also symbolize struggle (red) and hope (green). These significant colors have been used in flags for African liberation movements.
• Giving gifts (“zawadi”): These special gifts are usually handmade, but personal enrichment presents, such as books and journals, are also popular.
“The focus isn’t on materialism but edification,” Qaasim said. “It’s encouraging creativity — my parents would encourage us to make Kwanzaa cards and write encouraging notes, or bake something for our family.”
Zawadi are typically given to children, but anyone can participate. Qaasim grew up watching her parents give one another zawadi each year.
• Learn and perform song and dance: People of all ages are encouraged to participate in traditional and contemporary songs and dances to celebrate African and African-American heritage.
• Talk about the themes: Karegna encourages a daily conversation about the principle of the day with “cultural storytelling and creative games,” a longstanding tradition.
• Enjoy the karamu feast: The karamu feast is a popular gathering to finish out the week-long celebration. It’s traditionally held on Dec. 31.
Kwanzaa events in Raleigh/Durham
THURSDAY, DEC. 26
Hayti Legacy Kwanzaa Celebration: This event is curated by The Magic of African Rhythm. The suggested donation is $1 to $5. All proceeds support the Hayti Legacy Kwanzaa & Hayti Heritage Center. 1-6 p.m. at Hayti Heratige Center, 804 Old Fayetteville St. in Durham.
SUNDAY, DEC. 29
Cary Kwanzaa Celebration: Learn more about and celebrate the seven principals of Kwanzaa through demonstrations, performance, and art activities. There will be food trucks and vendors as well. Join our vibrant community for this engaging event for all ages. 1-7 p.m. at the Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave. in Cary.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1
39th Kwanzaa Fest: Join the African American Dance Ensemble to celebrate the 39th annual Kwanzaa event. This year, the group will focus on the principle of Imani, which stands for Faith—believing wholeheartedly in our community and the justice and triumph of our journey. In memory of Baba Chuck Davis, we encourage attendees to bring canned goods and toiletries to donate to Ummi’s Ummah. 12 p.m. at the Durham Armory, 212 Foster St. in Durham.
This story was originally published December 5, 2024 at 8:00 AM.
