LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- People in Louisville are encouraged to celebrate Kwanzaa this year.

Kwanzaa is an African-American cultural holiday created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. It's celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. The week-long festival honors seven core principles known as the Nguzo Saba: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).

Families come together to light the kinara during Kwanzaa. There are seven candles lit during the holiday.

"As a city of multiple faiths and backgrounds, I invite the vibrant community of Louisville to come together in the spirit of unity and cultural appreciation this Kwanzaa season," Louisville Metro Councilor Phillip Baker (D-6) said in a news release. "Let us celebrate the rich heritage of African-American traditions, reflect on the principles of Kwanzaa, and strengthen the bonds that make our community the great place we call home."

Play Cousins Collective, a local nonprofit, will host events throughout the week:

  • Tuesday, Dec. 26
    • Umoja (Unity) at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1545 Louis Coleman Jr. Drive at 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 27
    • Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) at Kreative Events, 2722 Crittenden Drive from 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Thursday, Dec. 28
  • Friday, Dec. 29
    • Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) at MELANnaire Marketplace at Mall St. Matthews, 5000 Shelbyville Road from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Dec. 30
    • Nia (Purpose) at Russell Theater at New Directions, 516 S. 17th Street from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Dec. 31
    • Kuumba (Creativity) at The Gathering Place, 1619 W. Main Street from 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Monday, Jan. 1
    • Imani (Faith) at Roots 101 African American Museum, 124 N. 1st Street from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

To learn more about the events, click here.

Copyright 2023 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.