Did you enjoy last year’s celebration of the world’s largest Kwanzaa kinara right here in Detroit? It was definitely a sight to see and there’s more joy to join in on this year. Enjoy Kwanzaa in Detroit 2023 in ways that go beyond celebrating. After all, Kwanzaa is historically a time for families & communities to gather and grow deeper in connecting with the seven principles of Kwanzaa. You’ll find several program events scheduled at The Wright.
Detroitisit rounded up a fresh list of information to know about the annual Kwanzaa holiday as well as ways to celebrate the annual Kwanzaa reflections. Enjoy this joyous cultural holiday with these great ways to celebrate Kwanzaa in Detroit 2023!
KINARA, PHOTO @KWANZAAME ON INSTAGRAM
WHAT IS KWANZAA?
It’s always good to gain a better understanding of religious & cultural holidays whether we participate in them or not. As we head into a new year, let’s take a brief look at the history of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday. Kwanzaa (derived from “matunda ya kwanza”) means “first fruits” in Swahili. Founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga preceding the Watts Rebellion, this holiday became a way to unite the community. It’s also based on the African Harvest festival traditions in some areas of West and Southeast Africa.
Some of the ways of celebrating include family gatherings, song, dance, African drumming, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal.
WHEN IS KWANZAA?
Dates: Tue, Dec 26, 2023 – Mon, Jan 1, 2024
Each night, a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder), and then the family reflects on one of the seven principles.
IMANI (FAITH), PHOTO @CITYOFDETROIT ON INSTAGRAM
THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES (“NGUZO SABA”) OF KWANZAA AND WHAT DO THEY MEAN?
As the community gets ready to celebrate Kwanzaa Detroit 2023, let us honor the origins and the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The seven principles include Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).
2ND ANNUAL KINARA LIGHTING
Date & Time: Tuesday, December 26. Event begins at 3 p.m. & the lighting of the Kinara begins at 5 PM.
The Motor City will be lit up in a huge way once again! First up on this informative list of ways to celebrate Kwanzaa in Detroit 2023 is none other than the 2nd Annual Kwanzaa Kinara Lighting at Campus Martius in downtown Detroit. Join in for a program at Cadillac Square that begins at 3 and then stay for the grand Kinara lighting at 5 p.m. Click HERE for more information.
SECOND SUNDAYS AT THE WRIGHT, PHOTO @THEWRIGHTMUSEUM ON INSTAGRAM
CELEBRATE KWANZAA AT THE WRIGHT 2023
December 26, 2023 – January 1, 2024.
It’s a Kwanzaa celebration! First up on this list of events to celebrate Kwanzaa in Detroit 2023 is another enlightening experience at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. “Cultivate & educate” with others in the community with another season of in-person programs at the Wright, online engagements, and in-community celebrations taking place across the city. Click HERE to view the full calendar of Kwanzaa programs.
Event highlights: Beginning Tuesday, December 26, the Wright will present seven days of in-person and virtual programs, including a daily kinara lighting ceremony, storytelling, and live performances.
- On Thursday, December 28, enjoy a special Kwanzaa-themed cultural showcase with Let’s Get Tribal.
- On Friday, December 29, shop their Kwanzaa Holiday Market with local vendors.
- On Saturday, Don’t miss their conclusion of in-person programming with on Our in-person programming concludes on Saturday with a can’t-miss jazz concert at the Wright featuring In the Tradition.
SHOP IN-STORE, PHOTO @KWANZAAME ON INSTAGRAM
SHOP AT KWANZAAME
Let’s continue to support small businesses in Detroit like KwanzaaMe. Located in this Detroit-based Black-woman-owned lifestyle brand for all your Kwanzaa and emerging black cultural celebration needs. They cultivate community and culture through their products and programming. Who wouldn’t want hand-crafted products that serve as an heirloom? Countdown the days until Kwanzaa with their virtual calendar as you shop online. Celebrate Kwanzaa in Detroit all year round! Purchase a Kwanzaa Candle Bundle or a Kwanzaa Guide. Click HERE for black cultural products that have African history.
Location: 17301 Livernois #342, Detroit, MI 48221
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