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Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa Feast - The Kwanzaa Karamu

The Kwanzaa feast or Karamu is held on December 31st. It allows for cultural expression as well as feasting. The place where it is held is usually decorated in an African motif that uses black, green and red color theme.

The festivity involves welcoming, remembering, reassessment, recommitment and rejoicing, ending with a farewell statement and call to greater unity (Umoja).

Below is a suggestion based on a model by Dr. Karenga.

Kukaribisha (Welcoming)
Introductory Remarks and Recognition of Distinguished Guests and All Elders.
Cultural Expression (Songs, Group or Tribal Dancing, Performances, Chants, Unity Circle, etc.)

Kukumbuka (Remembering)
Reflection of a Man, Woman and Child
Cultural Expression

Kuchunguza Tena na Kutoa Ahadi Tena (Reassessment and Recommitment)
Introduction of Distinguished Guest Lecturer and Short Talk

Kushangilia (Rejoicing)
  • Tamshi la Tambiko (Libation Statement)**
  • Kikombe cha Unoja (Unity Cup)
  • Kutoa Majina (Reading of the Names of Our Family Ancestors and Black Heroes and Heroines)
  • Ngoma (Drums)
  • Karamu (Feast)
  • Cultural Expression
Tamshi la Tutaonana (The Farewell Statement)

The Libation Statement is as follow:

For the Motherland cradle of civilization.
For the ancestors and their indomitable spirit.
For the elders from whom we can learn much.
For our youth who represent the promise for tomorrow.
For our people the original people.
For our struggle and in remembrance of those who have struggled on our behalf.
For Umoja the principle of unity which should guide us in all that we do.
For the creator who provides all things great and small.


Libation: Water placed in a communal cup (Kikombe cha Unoja), poured in the direction of the four winds, (north, south, east and west) and passed among family members and guests who may either sip from the cup or make a sipping gesture.