All about Kwanzaa and where to celebrate in Bucks County region
Kwanzaa, created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga to celebrate African- and Pan-African history, values, family, community and culture , will be celebrated during the last week of the calendar year in 2023.
The name Kwanzaa comes from a phrase matunda ya kwanza, which means "first fruits" in Swahili. Though it was started in the United States, the holiday has links to harvest festivals in Africa and communities around the world.
There is no specific religion associated with Kwanzaa, so people can celebrate Christmas or other holidays and practice Kwanzaa.
Here's what to know about Kwanzaa and where you can celebrate it in the Bucks County region.
African American Museum in Philadelphia, Mercer Museum, Sesame Place among venues celebrating Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa begins on Tuesday, Dec. 26, and runs through Monday, Jan. 1, 2004, and here's where you can celebrate and participate:
Kwanzaa: Celebration at the Mercer Museum: 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, at the Mercer Museum, 84 S. Pine Street, Doylestown. Cultural educator Dr. Wanda Lewis-Campbell will give a presentation, and the event will feature interactive posts, food and music. The event is free, but registration is required.
Kwanzaa at Sesame Place: 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26 through Sunday, Dec. 31, at Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne. Sesame Street characters such as Abby Cadabby, Burt, Big Bird, Cookie Monster and the rest of the gang will light the Kinara and share the principles of Kwanzaa. The Kwanzaa celebration at Sesame Place is free.
Lookback: Kwanzaa 2022 at Mercer: Photos: Kwanzaa Celebration at the Castle brings culture, education and fun to Doylestown
Ujamaa - Kwanzaa Quizzo and Evening Bazaar: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, at Franklin Square, 200 N 6th St, Philadelphia. The African American Museum in Philadelphia will celebrate will the principle of "Ujamaa," or cooperative economics. This celebration will include dozens of Black vendors and creators. Tickets are 14 for adults, and $10 for children and students. Registration is required.
Kwanzaa's seven principles, importance
According to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, communities come together during the week of Kwanzaa to celebrate, and in doing so, they light a candle to highlight the principle of that day.
The seven principles of Kwanzaa are: Umoja (unity); Kujichagulia (self-determination); Ujima (collective work and responsibility; Ujamaa; Nia (purpose); Kuumba (creativity); and Imani (faith).
More on the importance of Kwanzaa: 'A chance to come together': What is Kwanzaa, and when is the holiday celebrated? What to know.
The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia notes the celebration of Kwanzaa in Philadelphia began as early as 1968, when activists Falaka Fattah and her husband, David Fattah, cofounded the House of Umoja.
Named after the first principle of Kwanzaa, the nonprofit incorporated all seven principles in its daily operations, and held an annual Kwanzaa celebration in conjunction with its anniversary.
People observing Kwanzaa may also display a Kikombe cha Umoja, or a unity cup that represents family and community, in addition to corn, which represents children, among other symbols.
Some communities might celebrate by reading poetry or dancing, among other cultural festivities.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Where and how to celebrate and participate in Kwanzaa this year
