Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan African celebration observed throughout the world from December 26-January 1 each year. Kwanzaa is a celebration of African culture as well as family, community and culture. It was first created in 1966 as part of the black nationalist movement of the 1960's but has since been embraced by people of many heritages. The word Kwanzaa is derived from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, meaning first fruits of the harvest. Kwanzaa is celebrated with feasts, drumming and lighting of the kinara candles.