Join us for our 4th annual Kwanzaa Marketplace where we will feature BIPOC vendors and artists selling handmade items, art, clothing, and more. Vendors will have works and items for purchase from or inspired by Africa, African Art, and African Culture.
The African celebration of “First Fruits” is the basis of the African American celebration, Kwanzaa, celebrated through December 26th – January 1st. Kwanzaa is celebrated by millions throughout the African Diaspora.
Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community, and culture. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga to introduce and reinforce seven basic principles of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among the African and African American Diaspora. The principles are Umoja-Unity, Kujichagulia-Self-Determination, Ujima-Collective Work & Responsibility, Nia-Purpose, Kuumba-Creativity, Imani-Faith, and Ujamaa-Cooperative Economics.
Marketplace is a public event and all are welcome! Join us in celebration of Kwanzaa, visit the museum, and shop for unique holiday gifts.
The Savannah African Art Museum's
annual Kwanzaa Marketplace will take place out in the courtyard of the Savannah African Art Museum during the following dates and times.
Saturday, December 7, 2024
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturday, December 14, 2024
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Saturday, December 21, 2024
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
How to Celebrate and Decorate for Kwanzaa!
During the week of Kwanzaa, families and communities come together to share a feast, honor the ancestors, affirm the bonds between them, and celebrate African and African American culture.
Each day of Kwanzaa a candle is lit to highlight the principle of that day and to breathe meaning into the principles with various activities, such as reciting the sayings or writings of great black thinkers and writers, reciting original poetry, African drumming, and sharing a meal of African diaspora-inspired foods.
The table is decorated with the essential symbols of Kwanzaa, such as the Kinara (Candle Holder), Mkeka (Mat), Muhindi (corn to represent the children), Mazao (fruit to represent the harvest), and Zawadi (gifts). One might also see the colors of the Pan-African flag, red (the struggle), black (the people), and green (the future), represented throughout the space and in the clothing worn by participants. These colors were first proclaimed to be the colors for all people of the African diaspora by Marcus Garvey.
The 7 symbols that decorate the table for the Kwanzaa ceremony represent the seven principles of African culture and community.
Mkeka (The Mat)
This is the mat (usually made of straw, but it can also be made of fabric or paper) upon which all the other Kwanzaa symbols are placed. The mat represents the foundation of African traditions and history.
Mazao (The Crops)
The crops, fruits, and vegetables, represent traditional African harvest celebrations and show respect for the people who labored to grow them.
Mishumaa (The Seven Candles)
In the seven candles, each candle represents one of the seven principles. The candles are red, green, and black -- symbolic of the African people their struggles and achievements.
Kinara (The Candle Holder)
The candle holder represents the original stalk from which all African ancestors came. It holds the seven candles.
Muhindi (The Corn)
The corn represents African children and the promise of their future. One ear of corn is set out for each child in the family. In a family without children, one ear is set out symbolically to represent the children of the community.
Kikombe cha Umoja (The Unity Cup)
The Unity Cup symbolizes the first principle of Kwanzaa -- the unity of family and of the African people. The cup is used to pour the libation (water, juice or wine) for family and friends.
Zawadi (The Gifts)
The gifts represent the labors of the parents and the rewards of their children. Gifts are given to educate and enrich the children -- they may include a book, a piece of art or an educational toy. At least one of the gifts is a symbol of African heritage.
To properly set the table for Kwanzaa, you must respect its seven principles. This is traditionally done by setting up a group of items on the first day of the holiday that represent each component of the holiday — crops, a mat, a candleholder, corn, the unity cup, gifts, and seven candles.
The seven candles displayed on the table are placed in a candle holder called a kinara which is placed on the mat. A black candle in the center represents the African people and their roots. Red and green candles go on either side of the black candle, with each one symbolizing a different Kwanzaa principle. A candle is lit every night in a particular order, but the lighting always starts with the black candle to reinforce the belief that the people come first. To learn more about the correct candle placement and celebrations as written by Dr. Maulana Karenga click here.
Setting a proper table for the holiday is important but the main idea to remember is that Kwanzaa is all about community, whether you're sharing the table with family or friends or you invite a stranger. The most meaningful part is celebrating the holiday together.
