Make your plans to visit New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) for a vibrant celebration of culture and community at the Kwanzaa Family Festival and Marketplace. This eagerly awaited event, a staple for over a decade, is set to dazzle on December 23 from 9am to 9pm at NJPAC’s vibrant, welcoming space in Newark, NJ.
Embrace the spirit of Kwanzaa, a celebration deeply rooted in African traditions, focusing on seven core principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. The festival is a perfect blend of these values, offering a variety of engaging activities for all ages. Whether you’re a lover of the arts, music, dance, or fashion, there’s something here for everyone.
Be part of unique experiences at NJPAC’s indoor campus, including free performances in the Prudential Hall Lobby, family-friendly activities like dance and drumming classes, face painting, storytelling, and arts and crafts workshops. Don’t miss the vibrant Show and Share segment, featuring the Umoja Dance Company and Zawadi African Dance & Drum, Inc.
The festival’s highlight is the Kwanzaa candle-lighting ceremony and the ‘vibunzi’ tradition, symbolizing hope and the future through the gifting of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Explore the Kwanzaa Marketplace spread across two floors of the Arts Center, showcasing local artisans and merchants. From custom clothing and handcrafted jewelry to unique art pieces and books, the Marketplace is a treasure trove for holiday shoppers.
Adding to the festivities are NJPAC’s special performances – The Hip Hop Nutcracker, blending Tchaikovsky’s classic with hip hop dance, and the Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, offering a mesmerizing mix of traditional and modern dance forms.
Plan your visit to the Kwanzaa Family Festival at NJPAC – a day filled with culture, creativity, and community. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary celebration of heritage and artistic expression!
