Want to celebrate Kwanzaa in South Florida? Here is a list of events and performances
Kwanzaa is a weeklong cultural celebration honoring African heritage, community and values, observed annually from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1.
Founded in 1966 by Maulana Karenga, the holiday is centered around the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles:
▪ Umoja (Unity)
▪ Kujichagulia (Self-determination)
▪ Ujima (Collective work and responsibility)
▪ Ujamaa (Cooperative economics)
▪ Nia (Purpose)
▪ Kuumba (Creativity)
▪ Imani (Faith)
In South Florida, Kwanzaa takes on a vibrant, localized significance, reflecting the region’s diverse African and Caribbean communities. Cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale host annual Kwanzaa celebrations that highlight African art, music, dance and cuisine.
Here are some local events in South Florida:
Miami-Dade County
2024 - Kwanzaa - Environmental Edition
Mén Beni Gardening is a 501(c)3 whose mission is to “to renew bodies, reconnect the minds, and reawaken energy, through gardening, sustainable and mind-full activities.”
In honor of Kwanzaa, it will be hosting seven events, each focused on a different principle. Here are the details:
Note: Tickets for the Umoja event were no longer available on Thursday.
▪ Kujichagulia (Self-determination)
When: Friday, Dec. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: TBA
Tickets: $0-$35
▪ Ujima (Collective work and responsibility)
When: Saturday, Dec. 28, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: TBA
Tickets: $0-$35
▪ Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
When: Sunday, Dec. 29, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 736 Sixth St., Miami Beach, 33139
Tickets: $0 – $35
When: Monday, Dec. 30, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Arch Creek Park, 1855 NE 135th St., North Miami Beach, 33181
Tickets: $0 – $35
When: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Miami Capoeira Sol e Lua, 2200 SW 16th St. #122, Miami, 33145
Tickets: $0 – $35
When: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: TBA
Tickets: $0-$35
Mary Williams Woodard Kwanzaa celebration
This event is free and open to everyone who wants to learn and celebrate the Kwanzaa holiday with traditional music, dance performances and food.
When: Saturday, Dec. 28, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Samuel K. Johnson Youth Center, 4900 NW 12th Ave., Miami, 33127
Tickets: Free
M Ensemble Company celebrates its 53rd anniversary in the spirit of Kwanzaa
The longest-running Black professional theater company in South Florida will be celebrating its 53rd anniversary in honor of Kwanzaa with stage performances, live music and food.
When: Friday Dec. 27, 7 p.m.
Where: The Sandrell Rivers Theater at the Audrey M. Edmonson Transit Village, 6103 NW Seventh Ave., Miami, 33127
Tickets: Donation of $53
For more information call 305-705-3218. Senior, student and group rates are available.
Kwanza story and craft event
The city of North Miami Beach will be hosting a story and crafts event at its public library.
When: Friday, Dec. 27, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: North Miami Beach Library, 1601 NE 164th St., North Miami Beach, 33162
Tickets: Free
Broward County
“Reclaiming Our Royalty” Kwanzaa celebration
This event aims to honor the seven principles of Kwanzaa with music, dance and community. The event is open to all ages, and there is free parking available.
When: Sunday, Dec. 29, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 1409 NW Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, 33311
Tickets: $15
Kwanzaa family celebration
This event is hosted by the Friends of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center and is free. It is an all-ages family event that features dance, drumming, live music, theatrical performances, spoken word, storytelling, book discussions, and arts and crafts. The event is focused on the principle of Ujima, collective work and responsibility.
When: Saturday, Dec. 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 33311
Tickets: Free
Kwanzaa Ujamaa in Fort Lauderdale
This free event pays homage to the fourth day and principle of Kwanzaa, Ujamaa, which means cooperative economics.
When: Friday, Dec. 27, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Bass Park, 2750 NW 19th St., Fort Lauderdale, 33311
Tickets: Free
This story was originally published December 26, 2024 at 12:02 PM.