Ottawa Kwanzaa Celebration 2026

Celebrating Unity, Culture, and Wealth in Community

Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of African heritage, culture, community, and togetherness at Ottawa Kwanzaa Celebration 2026, hosted by Jaku Konbit on Sunday, December 27, 2026, starting at 4:00 PM at the Ukrainian Banquet Hall! Join us for an inspiring evening of cultural pride, vibrant traditions, music, dance, and the uplifting spirit of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Bring your family, friends, and loved ones as we come together to honour our roots, celebrate our achievements, and strengthen the bonds that unite us.

Don’t miss this exciting community celebration—secure your tickets today through Eventbrite and be part of the Kwanzaa magic! We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Online Kwanzaa Celebration

December 26th - January 1, 2025

Join us for an online celebration via Zoom during the week of Kwanzaa. We will learn and share together while having lots of fun. From December 26th to January 1st, every day at 6:30 PM, we will be live online celebrating Kwanzaa. As a community, we will light our candles, discuss the day’s principle from the Nguzo Saba (7 principles), and celebrate together.

We understand physical gatherings may not be possible for many of us. However, we can still come together virtually on Zoom in mind and spirit. Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday celebrated by over 35 million people of African descent throughout the world. As Black people, we must be mindful of the customs and traditions we practice and pass down, especially those that were not created by us and do not benefit us. Instead, we should embrace celebrations that align with our values.

If you want to watch videos related to the online celebration of Kwanzaa, please click here.

What is Kwanzaa?

Kwanzaa is a non-religious cultural holiday that is celebrated around the world from December 26 – January 1 of the New Year. The celebration is designed to promote cultural pride, dignity, and foster a vibrant and healthy community.

There are seven principles highlighted during the season of Kwanzaa:

  • Umoja, Unity – to be unified as a diverse amalgamation of one people
  • Kujichagulia, Self Determination – to drive oneself to achieve one’s goals
  • Ujima, Collective Work and Responsibility – to work for the community
  • Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics – to economically support each other
  • Nia, Purpose – to commit oneself to the betterment of our community
  • Kuumba, Creativity – to do whatever you can in the way you can
  • Imani, Faith – to believe in what you are doing and its outcome.