Kwanzaa began in the United States in 1966 , when it was first celebrated in Los Angeles, California.

Quick origin

  • Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, an African American activist and scholar.
  • The first celebrations took place in Los Angeles during the late-1960s Black Power and civil rights era.

Why it started

  • The holiday was designed as a cultural celebration for African Americans, not a religious one, emphasizing heritage, community, and pride.
  • Karenga’s goal was to offer an alternative or complement to Christmas, centered on African traditions and Black history in America.

How it’s observed in America

  • Kwanzaa is celebrated each year from December 26 to January 1, with gatherings, feasts, music, and reflection on African American culture.
  • Many families light a kinara (candle holder) and focus each day on one of the seven principles, such as unity and purpose.

TL;DR: Kwanzaa started in America in 1966 in Los Angeles and has since grown into a weeklong annual celebration of African American culture held every December 26–January 1.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.