Kwanzaa: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Nov. 8, 2026

News •

Workshop to educate about Kwanzaa ahead of December observances • Nov. 2, 2026, 3:53 PM ET (The Toledo Blade)

Facts

Also Known As	Kwanza

Photos and Videos

Family celebrating Kwanzaa

A family gathers around a table as a woman lights candles on a Kinara for Kwanzaa, with fruits and traditional symbols arranged in front of them.

Illustration of objects signifcant in Kwanzaa, including a kinara, mat, gifts, corn, crops, and a communal cup.

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Topics

Celebrating Kwanzaa United States African Americans December holiday Yule Christmas Hanukkah Pongal Makar Sankranti St. Stephen’s Day Lohri Saturnalia Boxing Day Hogmanay

Key People

Dr. Maulana Karenga wearing glasses and a dark shirt, photographed at the African American Cultural Center in Los Angeles.

Maulana Karenga

American activist and scholar