Santa is not a part of Kwanzaa, which is a celebration of African-American culture and values that lasts from December 26th to January 1st. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by activist Maulana Karenga, who based it on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West and Southeast Africa.
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Santa is a figure associated with Christmas, which is a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th. However, some people may celebrate both Christmas and Kwanzaa, or incorporate elements of both holidays into their festivities.
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December 26th is called Kwanzaa because it is the first day of the seven-day celebration. The word “Kwanzaa” comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza”, which means “first fruits”.
Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
On each day, families light one of the candles in the kinara (candleholder) and discuss the principle for the day. On December 31st, families join in a communal feast called the karamu.
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