The Kwanzaa Committee of Pensacola presents Pensacola’s 25th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration on Saturday, December 26.

This year, the local Kwanzaa Committee is co-partnering with Hurrey-UP Stage & FilmWorks to produce the event.

Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, "Kwanzaa" means "first-fruits" in Swahili, a Pan- African language which is the most widely spoken African language.

First held in 1966, Kwanzaa is a seven day holiday celebrated in the United States honoring African heritage and culture. It is observed from December 26 to January 1 each year.

During Kwanzaa, millions of African Americans and people of African descent gather to celebrate their heritage and ancestry. Kwanzaa celebrations provide an opportunity for all people, regardless of religion or ethnicity, to focus on the importance of family, community, and history, and to reflect on the “Nguzo Saba” or seven principles of African culture.

These principles emphasize unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

Kwanzaa will be held at Booker T. Washington High School at 6000 College Parkway in Pensacola. The event will begin at 12 p.m. with the Kwanzaa Vendors Market and end at 5 p.m.

The Umoja opening celebration will include the formal Kwanzaa ceremony, local entertainers, and local business supporters.

For additional information on this event, visit www.hurreyupstageandfilmworks. com or contact Ayinde Hurrey at (850) 291-2718 or (850) 291- 2228.