Celebrating Kwanzaa 2024
As we celebrate the festive season, we want to wish everyone a joyous and restful holiday.
On Boxing Day, we’ll also begin celebrating Kwanzaa, a week long holiday honouring African heritage, community, and culture. Rooted in seven guiding principles, Kwanzaa is a chance for us to reflect and connect with ourselves and the people around us.
Whether you’re new to Kwanzaa or celebrate it each year, join us in marking its traditions and meanings over the next week
Check out this great ‘Kwanzaa Explained’ video below from HuffPost, and read on to explore each of the Kwanzaa principles and how you could celebrate them each day.
Day 1: Umoja (unity)
On the first day on Kwanzaa, we celebrate Umoja – the principle of unity. This is a call to strengthen the bonds that connect our families and communities.
Unity is at the heart of St Pauls Carnival, bringing us together to celebrate African Caribbean culture and heritage.
Here are a few ways you can celebrate Umoja...
Reflect on the importance of togetherness with your loved ones
Support local businesses that uplift the community
Reach out to someone you haven’t connected with in a while
Day 2: Kujichagulia (self determination)
Day two of Kwanzaa honors Kujichagulia, or self-determination: defining, naming, and shaping our destiny.
At Carnival, we embody the principle of Kujichagulia by championing the voices of our community and celebrating African Caribbean pride.
Here are some ways you can celebrate Kujichagulia...
Reflect on your personal goals
Learn more about African Caribbean history and cultural identity
Create art, music, or writing that expresses who you are
Day 3: Ujima (collective work and responsibility)
On day 3 of Kwanzaa, we focus on Ujima – the principle of collective work and responsibility, reminding us to build and uplift our community together.
St Pauls Carnival thrives because of its community – the people who come together to make this celebration possible. From local residents, to volunteers, to artists, to the thousands who travel to join us on the streets, Ujima is in our spirit.
Here's how can you celebrate Ujima...
Volunteer your time to a local cause
Collaborate with friends or family to solve a shared challenge
Support initiatives like our It Takes A City campaign – you can donate here
Day 4: Ujamaa (Cooperative economics)
Day four of Kwanzaa is all about Ujamaa – supporting local businesses and building shared economic success.
When you shop local, you’re not just buying goods – you’re helping build a sustainable future for the community. At Carnival, we proud to support small and local vendors and creators who keep our culture alive.
Here's how you can celebrate Ujamaa...
Buy from Black-owned businesses this week
Share your favourite local shops or artists
Invest in community projects
Day 5: Nia (purpose)
Nia, or purpose, is the focus on day five of Kwanzaa – a call to build and develop our community for future generations.
Carnival’s mission is rooted in Nia, focussed on informing, inspiring and engaging people socially and artistically through African Caribbean culture.
Here are some ways you can celebrate Nia...
Set goals with the people around you that will uplift your community
Explore ways you can personally make a lasting impact
Mentor someone to inspire the next generation
Day 6: Kuumba (creativity)
On day six we honour Kuumba, the principle of creativity. It encourages us to use our talents to leave the world more beautiful and beneficial than we found it.
From costumes to floats, from dancing to music – Kuumba shines brightly at St Pauls Carnival thanks to the incredible local artists in the African Caribbean community. Shout out to them all for their hard work and brilliant visions!
Here's how you could celebrate Kuumba…
Express yourself through art, music, or writing
Teach a creative skill to someone
Beautify your surroundings – plant flowers, create a mural, or redecorate a space.
Day 7: Imani (faith)
We close the celebrations with Imani, the principle of faith. This is all about believing in ourselves, our people, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
At Carnival, Imani inspires our commitment to keep this celebration alive and thriving, in honour of our ancestors and for future generations.
Here are some ways you can celebrate Imani...
Reflect on the strength of your ancestors
Write affirmations to carry faith into the new year
Share hope and encouragement with your loved ones and community