December 26th - Umoja (unity)
A day to strive for unity, not only within the family, but the community, nation and race as a whole. It's reflected in the African saying "I am We" or "I am because We are."

Sampling the gastronomic delights

December 27th - Kujichagulia (self determination)
A day to find out more about yourself in terms of definingyourself and speaking up for yourself, as opposed to being defined by others and having others speak for you. It's a chance plan a positive future and make sure that dream becomes a reality.

December 28th - Ujima (collective work and responsibility)
It encourages people to build and maintain the community as a team and to help solve people's problems together.

A time to reflect

December 29th - Ujamaa (co-operative economics)
A pledge to develop local African businesses and to support them, to maintain shops, stores and industry that contribute to the well-being of the community and to drive out businesses (boycott, etc.) that take from the community and give nothing back.

December 30th - Nia (purpose)
On the fifth day people pledge to build and develop their communities, schools and families. The day also aims to ensure the traditions of the people are passed down the generations.

December 31st - Kuumba (creativity)
A day to make the community more beautiful, either by working on the home or using creative talents to benefit the young.

January 1st - Imani (faith)
On the final day the new year is celebrated by a pledge to firmly believe in the African people, parents, teachers and leaders and in the greater good of the work done with, and for, one another, for the community and for the people.

Lighting the candles which are held in the Kinara

Celebrating Kwanzaa
Over this seven day period the house should be decorated in the colours associated with Kwanzaa- red, green and black.

Streamers, balloons and cloth should be of these colours while the displaying of original arts and crafts is also encouraged.

Black represents the face of the African people, red, the blood they have shed over the centuries and green shows the hope and colour of the motherland.

When lighting the candles (Mishumaa Saba) on the candle holder (kinara), the black candle is lit first as this represents the first principle Umoja (Unity). Second to be lit is the red candle to the immediate left of the black candle (second principle, Kujichagulia). On the third day, the green candle to the immediate right of the black is lit and so on for the 7 days.

Food
Traditional recipes play an important part in Kwanzaa. Food like Sweet Potato Pie, Southern Fried Okra, traditional African stews and Benne cakes are all likely to find their way onto the festival table.

The feast of Karamu
One of the big events of the week, Karamu is held on December 31st. It's a communal event designed to bring everyone closer to their African roots. It begins with a welcoming, then during the feast, time will be taken to tell stories about previous generations, recommitment to the community and concludes with a farewell statement calling for greater unity.