Facts about Kwanzaa Kwanzaa is an American cultural festival that runs from December 26th to January 1st and honors African ancestry. Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration, not a religious one. Dr. Maulana Karenga founded it in 1966 to honor African culture and to encourage African-Americans in the United States. Although Kwanzaa originated in the United States and is mostly observed there, it is also observed in other nations. Kwanzaa is celebrated by an estimated 18 million people worldwide. Kwanzaa festivities often feature poetry, storytelling, African dance, and drumming, as well as a large feast called Karamu on New Year's Eve. Kwanzaa Facts to Consider: The term Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase "Matunda ya Kwanzaa," which means "first fruits of the harvest." The three colors of Kwanzaa are red, green, and black. The Kwanzaa color red represents the bloodshed that occurred throughout the African people's fight for independence. Green is a Kwanzaa colo...