DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — Kwanzaa officially began Friday, launching a weeklong celebration centered on African heritage, cultural traditions, and shared values within the community.

Observed annually from the day after Christmas through New Year’s Day, Kwanzaa highlights seven principles, known as the Nguzo Saba, that emphasize unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Each day of the holiday focuses on one principle, beginning with Umoja, or unity.

Families and community members gathered Friday afternoon at the Hayti Heritage Center in Durham for the center’s annual Kwanzaa tradition, which featured drumming, dance and cultural reflection.

“It is our culture, it is history, and we don’t want to lose it,” said Patricia Hall, founder of the Kuumba Drumming Dance Company.

The event drew large crowds, including performers and attendees who emphasized the importance of preserving traditions passed down through generations.

ALSO SEE | Everything you need to know about the week-long holiday

“I think for many of us, it’s super important to keep the tradition alive,” said Victoria Revelle, a stage manager at the event. “We recognize that it didn’t start with us. We’re torch bearers, bringing along wisdom, guidance, and comfort, and assurance that we can be the change we seek in today’s world.”

Attendees included families from diverse backgrounds. Rekha Perumallu, who attended with her daughters, said learning about Kwanzaa offered an opportunity for cultural understanding.

“We come from a pretty multicultural household,” Perumallu said. “Christmas just happened, and I think her understanding Kwanzaa is a big reason why we came here.”

Created in 1966, Kwanzaa was established to reconnect Black communities in the United States with African cultural traditions and values. Throughout the week, families honor ancestors through rituals, music and storytelling.

Hall and eight performers from the Kuumba Drumming Dance Company honored African heritage through traditional music and attire inspired by West African countries such as Mali and Guinea.

“This is something that’s passed down from the motherland,” Hall said. “We try to keep it as close and as authentic as possible.”

Traditional clothing worn during the performance included lapas, dashikis, and garments reflecting the Kwanzaa colors of black, red and green.

While the holiday is observed at the end of the year, organizers emphasized its lessons extend beyond the season.

“The principles are not just for the end of the year,” Hall said. “They’re meant to be practiced all year long.”

Kwanzaa celebrations continue throughout the week, with a community event scheduled Saturday in Fayetteville at 1 p.m. and another planned Monday in Cary.

KWANZAA EVENTS

Event: A Celebration of Culture, Family & Community!
Location: Smith Recreation Center/Seabrook Park
1520 Slater Ave, Fayetteville, NC
When: Saturday
Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free

Event: Honoring Cultural Scholarship and Performance in the Community
Location: Cary Arts Center, Cary, NC
When: Monday
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

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