Kwanzaa -- from a Swahili phrase for "first fruits of the harvest"-- is an African-American and pan-African celebration of culture and family that takes place from December 26th to January 1st. Each day focuses on one of seven guiding principles: from Unity to Faith.
Below are some of the public events that celebrate the Kwanzaa holidays.
Please check dates carefully, as some web sites may not have updated for the current year.
Family Friday: Kwanzaa Songs, Central Park
A free event, at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (in the Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues): The Central Park Conservancy and Museum for African Art host a family-oriented Kwanzaa celebration. (2010 info.)
New York: World Financial Center
Look for a repeat of a (free) Kwanzaa performance at this downtown Manhattan venue.
New York: American Museum of Natural History:
Annual Kwanzaa family festivities at this terrific museum on the Upper West Side typically include dance performances, folklore, a marketplace, and special Kwanzaa foods.
Queens: Museum for African Art: look for a repeat of A Children's Kwanzaa Celebration. Learn about the history and principles of Kwanzaa; make a gift; all Family Days are free to the public.
Brooklyn Children's Museum: has had a Kwanzaa Celebration in the past. Check web site to see if one gets scheduled.
Washington DC: The Spirit of Kwanzaa: at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts had a "shake the rafters" celebration of dance, poetry, and song in the past, but nothing appears at the web site for 2011.
Atlanta, GA: family-friendly celebrations at the APEX (African American Panoramic Experience) Museum. (Check for updates for 2011.)
Chicago: DuSable Museum of African-American History: look for a repeat of Kwanzaa celebrations, with events and programs at the Museum.
CA: Bay Area Discovery Museum: Annual Kwanzaa Celebration, with free admission and performances.
The
Soul of America web site lists Kwanzaa events in many cities.
ParentsConnects lists family-friendly events in many cities, including Kwanzaa celebrations.
