Do Jamaicans Celebrate Kwanzaa?

Do Jamaicans Celebrate Kwanzaa? | Image Source: Jamaica Gleaner

By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

December is probably the most cheerful month of the year because of the Christmas season. But while most of us are busy spring cleaning, redecorating and soaking our fruits in wine for our Christmas fruit, others are preparing for another celebration. I'm talking about Kwanzaa, have you ever heard of it? 

Well, Kwanzaa, is a cultural (not Jamaican culture) celebration that began in December 1966, thanks to Dr. Maulana Karenga, a professor and civil rights activist in the United States. He created Kwanzaa with a aim to reconnect African Americans with their roots and heritage, especially in the 1960s when racism and racial tension were at an all-time high.

The word "Kwanzaa" comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza”, which means “first fruits” or “first harvest.” It’s celebrated from December 26 to January 1 and revolves around seven principles, known as the Nguzo Saba. These principles: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith), focus on community, culture, and self-improvement.

In the evenings, families come together and light candles on a kinara. The Kinara is a special candle holder with seven spaces for three red candles, three green ones, and one black candle. Once they have lit the candles it's normal for them to talk about the principles of Kwanzaa and how relevant they are in everyday life. The celebration also includes feasting, drumming, dancing, storytelling, and honouring ancestors.

Is Kwanzaa Celebrated in Jamaica?

Not so much. In Jamaica we primarily celebrate Christmas. While Kwanzaa has been introduced to Jamaica, it is still a very niche celebration.  

The late Queen Mother Mariamne Samad, a pan-Africanist and Garveyite played a key role in bringing Kwanzaa to our shores. For years, she hosted Kwanzaa celebrations that spanned the entire holiday season. However, the observance has dwindled today, often reduced to a single gathering on January 1.  

One reason for Kwanzaa’s limited appeal is timing. December 26 is already a public holiday, Boxing Day and most Jamaicans are still in Christmas mode, enjoying leftovers or hitting the beach. We must also factor in cultural resistance; many Jamaicans, while proud of their African heritage, feel more connected to the Christian traditions of Christmas.  And the biggest reason, in my opinion, is simply a lack of knowledge. Most Jamaicans have never heard of Kwanzaa.

How Is Kwanzaa Celebrated in Jamaica? 

As I mentioned before Kwanzaa is not widely celebrated here in Jamaica, but there are a few who do. For example, in an article in the Jamaica Gleaner, Sophia Walsh-Newman was mentioned. She is a performance artist and teacher dedicated to African culture. She has been celebrating Kwanzaa with her family and friends, for over 35 years. They light candles, share meals, and reflect on the Nguzo Saba. Her celebrations also include poetry, music, and the creation of handmade gifts, a homage to African traditions. 

What Can We Learn From Kwanzaa? 

Even if Kwanzaa isn’t mainstream here, its principles offer valuable lessons. The emphasis on unity (Umoja), creativity (Kuumba), and community-building (Ujima) resonates deeply with Jamaican values. After all, isn’t the spirit of “togetherness” what makes our culture so vibrant?  

Don't be mistaken though. Those who celebrate Kwanzaa in Jamaica, don't intend to replace Christmas but instead complement it. You can have both celebrations.

Whether or not Kwanzaa becomes a larger part of Jamaica’s festive season, it stands as a powerful reminder of our African roots and the resilience of black communities worldwide. Here on our small, beautiful island, where our motto is “Out of Many, One People,” Kwanzaa’s focus on unity and cultural pride fits right in.  

So, while the majority of us will stick to Christmas ham and sorrel, let’s take a moment to appreciate Kwanzaa and the principles and traditions it has to offer. Who knows? Maybe next year, you’ll light a candle or two and join the celebration!

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References & Sources For Do Jamaicans Celebrate Kwanzaa?

1. Kwanzaa thriving in America, hard sell in Jamaica. (2022, December 27). News | Jamaica Gleaner. https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20221227/kwanzaa-thriving-america-hard-sell-jamaica
2. How Do People Celebrate Kwanzaa? (n.d.). Wonderopolis. https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/How-Do-People-Celebrate-Kwanzaa

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