Kwanzaa Events in the Washington, DC Area

Kwanzaa is a seven-day cultural celebration that was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, in the midst of the Black Freedom Movement. The holiday is celebrated each year on December 26 through January 1 by African Americans as a way to reaffirm their heritage and culture and their bonds to one another as a community. Kwanzaa is celebrated with candle-lighting, pouring of a drink as an offering to a god, a feast and gift-giving. Here are some special events honoring Kwanzaa around the Washington, DC area.

Kwanzaa Celebration at the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
2009 Dates to be Announced. 1901 Fort Place, SE, Washington, DC. (202) 633-4844. Special programs include storytelling and music to demonstrate the seven principles of living that make Kwanzaa an important African American holiday.

Kwanzaa Craft & Game Workshop at the Alexandria Black History Museum
2009 Dates to be Announced. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 902 Wythe Street Alexandria, Virginia. (703) 838-4356. A free interactive program will guide you through a review of the principles of this unique African American holiday as well instruct you in ways to make inexpensive Kwanzaa gifts (Zawadi). All supplies will be provided.

Kwanzaa Celebration with Coyaba Dance Theater
2009 Dates to be Announced. at 2 and 7p.m. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street, NE, Washington, DC. (202) 399-7993. The performance includes singing, dancing, drumming, storytelling and more.

A Kwanzaa Celebration
2009 Dates to be Announced., 8 p.m. Prince George's Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd. Cheverly, Maryland (301) 277-1710. African performance of dance, drumming, traditional music and storytelling. $10.