Kwanzaa Celebrations Overview
Kwanzaa is a seven-day cultural celebration that was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 amid the Black Freedom Movement. Every year, from December 26 through January 1, African Americans celebrate Kwanzaa as a means to reaffirm their heritage and culture, along with strengthening community bonds. This vibrant holiday is marked by candle-lighting ceremonies, communal feasts, and the exchange of gifts among family and friends. Below are some noteworthy events honoring Kwanzaa in the Washington, D.C. area.
Alexandria Black History Museum
The museum’s annual Kwanzaa celebration focuses on the history and significance of the holiday. Participants can learn about the seven principles of Kwanzaa through engaging activities such as creative games, interactive songs, dances, and hands-on crafts. A $5.00 fee is applicable for this event, and making reservations is highly recommended. Additionally, a workshop on how to celebrate Kwanzaa will occur on December 8, 2018, led by staff from the museum and Marilyn Patterson, CEO of Joyous Events, who will present a morning lecture on Kwanzaa’s history and traditions.
Coyaba Dance Theater
Founded in 1997, Coyaba Dance Theater is a premier institution for traditional and contemporary West African dance and music. Each year, the theater hosts a Kwanzaa Celebration (scheduled for December 15-16, 2018) that centers around the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, responsibility, purpose, creativity, faith, and cooperative economics. This performance features a rich array of singing, dancing, drumming, storytelling, and more, with ticket prices starting at $15.
Anacostia Community Museum
As part of the Smithsonian Institution, the Anacostia Community Museum showcases approximately 6,000 artifacts that narrate Black history from the 1800s to the present. Visitors can immerse themselves through workshops, film screenings, educational events, and exhibits that display art, archaeology, textiles, photographs, musical instruments, and much more. Established in 1967, this significant space reveals a wealth of knowledge regarding African American religion, spirituality, art, and community.
Finally, Celebrate Kwanzaa with Harambee is a family-friendly program that will spotlight Baba Ras D, a Rastafarian and native Washingtonian. His performances include Bob Marley classics, beloved children’s songs, and original reggae-inspired music. Baba Ras D promotes values of empathy and inclusiveness through a philosophy known as Harambee. The exciting annual event will take place on December 28, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus (THEARC).
