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Many people think Kwanza is an ancient African celebration. In reality, Kwanza was established in 1966 to provide an opportunity for the African American community to celebrate their heritage and reinforce positive community values.
Kwanza is celebrated for 7 days beginning on December 26th and ending on January 1st. On December 31st a feast is prepared for family and friends
Fun Invitations for a Kwanza Party include:
- kinara candle holder and candles (similar to chanukah, but with 7 candles)
- African folk art photo or drawing
More Invitation ideas and tips!
Fun Decorations for a Kwanza Party include:
- African design fabrics for table cloth
- woven baskets for serving dishes
More Decoration ideas and tips!
Fun Games & Activities for a Kwanza Party include:
- Read Kwanza stories
- Kwanza matching game (match names of 7 principles to the correct definition). The 7 Principles are:
- Dec 26: Umoja (Unity) - To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, and nation.
- Dec 27: Kujichaguila (Self Determination) - To create, name and define our lives for ourselves.
- Dec 28: Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) - To build and maintain our community while working with others to solve problems.
- Dec 29: Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) - To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses to profit from them together.
- Dec 30: Nia (Purpose) - To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community.
- Dec 31: Kuumba (Creativity) - To leave our community for beneficial and more beautiful than we inherited it.
- Jan 1: Imani (Faith) - To believe in our people, teachers, and leaders and the virtue and victory of our struggle.
- Play African folk music
More Games & Activities ideas!
Creative Arts & Crafts for a Kwanza Party include:
- Have guests make 7 large paper candles and write the seven principles of Kwanza on these candles
- beading
- ceramics
- sidewalk chalk drawing
Fun Foods for a Kwanza Party include:
- rice
- beans
- fruit kabobs
Fun Favors for a Kwanza Party include:
- books
- book mark
- sidewalk chalk
- marbles
- puzzles
Special Resources for a Kwanza Party include:
- Shindigz.com
- Kids' Party Fun Directory (entertainment, rentals, and places)
- Kwanza coloring pages
- Kaboose Kwanza craft idea
Related Party Themes include: