Kwanzaa consists of seven days of celebration, featuring activities such as candle-lighting and pouring of libations, and culminating in a feast and gift-giving. It was founded by Ron Karenga, and first celebrated from December 26, 1966, to January 1, 1967. Karenga calls Kwanzaa the African American branch of "first fruits" celebrations of classical African cultures.

Kwanzaa soll kein religiöser Feiertag, sondern ein "kultureller Feiertag" sein. Der Name kommt aus Kisuaheli, von matunda ya kwanza, was erste Früchte heißt.

December 26th Unity (Umoja)
December 27th Self-Determination (Kujichagulia)
December 28th Collective Work & Responsibility (Ujima)
December 29th Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa)
December 30th Purpose (Nia)
December 31st Creativity (Kuumba)
January 1st Faith (Imani)