Ottawa Kwanzaa Celebration 2025

Celebrating Unity, Culture, and Wealth in Community

Join Jaku Konbit for the largest Kwanzaa Celebration in Canada – a joyful and inspiring cultural gathering that celebrates the richness of African and Caribbean heritage and the strength of our community.

The Ottawa Kwanzaa Celebration 2025, held at the Preston Event Centre on Sunday, December 28th, was a powerful and uplifting gathering that thoughtfully honored the spirit and core values of Kwanzaa. The event came alive through vibrant music by DJ Bojangles, the contagious and soulful sounds of saxophonist Jay Wura, rich and captivating Ethiopian cultural dance performances, call-to-action drumming by Wandara, and a dynamic interactive dance presentation by Kahmaria and Brian Muluuta.

The celebration was further enriched by moving poetry by Abena Green, and soulful singing by Aiyana Louis, which deeply resonated with all in attendance. The energy of the remarkable Remesh (Burundi) drummers filled the space with heart-pounding rhythm and cultural pride, creating an atmosphere of joy, unity, and reflection. Adding to the significance of the occasion was an inspiring presentation by the founder of Kwanzaa, Professor Dr. Maulana Karenga, whose powerful words reaffirmed the enduring values of culture, purpose, and community.

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.