At the heart of every Kwanzaa celebration is delicious food. The week-long festivities, which originated in 1966, are a way to embrace and celebrate the African diaspora. On the final night of Kwanzaa, family members and friends gather together for Karamu, a potluck-style dinner featuring dishes from West African culinary traditions, among others. A typical feast might include okra stew, gumbo, jambalaya, collard greens, and other favorite dishes.
Like all holidays, families each have their own take on how to celebrate Kwanzaa. And because it’s a relatively new holiday, the ways to celebrate it are still evolving and changing with every generation of Black Americans who celebrate. Just bring your loved ones together for a good meal and embrace the traditions that feel right.