Come together to commemorate African heritage, unity, and culture at Kwanzaa events around Houston from Sunday, December 26, 2021, to New Year’s Day, Saturday, January 1, 2022.
Across seven days, Kwanzaa marks a celebration of African American culture, family and community.
Each day observes one of seven principles; Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).
Celebrate Kwanzaa 2021 at these marketplaces, ceremonies, performances and other celebrations around Houston:
Kwanzaa 2021 Events in Houston
- Kwanzaa Day 1 Celebration: Umoja at S.H.A.P.E. Community Center | Sunday, December 26 | FREE – The Third Ward community center leads the Kwanzaa celebrations with a Black-owned marketplace, drum circle and ceremony to light the first candle on the first night of Kwanzaa. Market opens at 5pm; ceremony at 7pm.
- Children’s Kwanzaa Day 2: Kujichagulia at Nia Becnel Family Center | Monday, December 27 | FREE – At the community center on Live Oak Street, families are invited to celebrate the second principle of Kwanzaa, Kujichagulia, or “self-determination.” 10am to 2pm.
- Kwanzaa Day 2 Celebration: Kujichagulia at Shrine of the Black Madonna | Monday, December 27 | FREE – The Southside cultural center hosts a family celebration on the second night of Kwanzaa, featuring a marketplace, drum circle and ceremony. Market opens at 6pm; ceremony at 7pm.
- Kwanzaa Day 4 Celebration: Ujamaa at Nia Becnel Family Center | Wednesday, December 29 | FREE – Celebrate the principle of cooperative economics, Ujamaa, at a Black-owned marketplace that takes place at the Live Oak community center. Market opens at 5pm; ceremony at 7pm.
- Kwanzaa Day 5 Celebration: Nia at Old Central Cultural Center in Galveston | Thursday, December 30 | FREE – The Nia Cultural Center in Galveston hosts a celebration on the fifth night of Kwanzaa, observing the principle of purpose and inviting the community to come together for a Kwanzaa market, ceremony and celebration. Market opens at 5pm; ceremony at 6pm.
- Kwanzaa Day 6 Celebration: Kuumba at Nia Becnel Family Center | New Year’s Eve, Friday, December 31 | FREE – S.H.A.P.E. hosts an observation of the sixth principle of Kwanzaa, Kuumba, or “creativity”, featuring a marketplace, drum circle and celebration. Market opens at 5pm; celebration at 7pm.
- 3rd Annual Kuumba: A Celebration of Afro-Dance at MATCH | New Year’s Eve, Friday, December 31 – Back for its third year, the company of Dance Afrikana showcases pieces that represent both Africa and the African Diaspora while embodying the principle of Kuumba. $35. 6pm.
- Kwanzaa Day 7 Celebration: Imani & Buy Black Marketplace at Shrine of the Black Madonna | New Year’s Day, Saturday, January 1 | FREE – Close out the final day of Kwanzaa with an afternoon celebration at the Shrine of the Black Madonna with a Black-owned marketplace, drum circle and ceremony. Market opens at 11am; ceremony at 3:30pm.
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