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Happy Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa (/ˈkwɑːn.zə/) is an annual celebration of African-American culture that is held from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually held on the 6th day. It was created by Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of Africa, including West and Southeast Africa. Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966. At the heart of the celebration is the lighting of 7 candles. In 2008, the celebration was explored in The Black Candle, narrated by Maya Angelou in a film created by MK Asante. Find out more in this Behind the Scenes film from the American Film Institute.

And talking of celebratory light displays, here are some wonderfully illuminating photos sent in by members of The Arts Society, compiled by Pauline Stewart.

Wisley

Wisley

Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

Inverleith House

Inverleith House

Guildford

Guildford

Exeter

Exeter

Stratford-Upon-Avon

Stratford-Upon-Avon

Saltram

Saltram

Godalming

Godalming

Bishop Monkton

Bishop Monkton

Busbridge

Busbridge

Arlesford

Arlesford

Mousehole

Mousehole

Stratford-Upon-Avon

Stratford-Upon-Avon

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

 

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Our Societies support hundreds of local arts and heritage projects. Each day we highlight a grant given in 2021.

The Arts Society Hallamshire has awarded a grant to Sheffield Theatres Young Company which will go towards the production of a live production, ‘The Golden Fleece’- a meld of myth, humour and Northern grit. During the pandemic the Society also awarded them a grant to produce a poem online.

All donations from the Artvent Calendar will go towards The Arts Society’s grant giving fund, which awards grants to help preserve our artistic heritage, support the skills of artists and makers, and improve access to the arts for all.

Please click here to support projects like this one by making a Donation.

Comments

Amazing lights. So enjoyed seeing them.

Julia White Thu, 30/12/2021 - 10:10 Permalink

enjoyed the talk the photos amazing

Jill Allan Sun, 26/12/2021 - 23:18 Permalink

I enjoyed the informative talk today. The lovely photos were a bonus.

daphne Sun, 26/12/2021 - 22:20 Permalink

Enjoyed viewing the Artvent Calendar during December. Thank you.

Wendy Knott Sun, 26/12/2021 - 17:34 Permalink

Happy Kwanzaa. Really enjoying learning about all these different customs and cultures.

Mary Bradley Sun, 26/12/2021 - 14:47 Permalink

another new incite of life added today

Sylvia mccann Sun, 26/12/2021 - 14:33 Permalink

This was a really enlightening window.

Jane Norrie Sun, 26/12/2021 - 12:24 Permalink

Thank you so much for the daily Artvent calendar. I have thoroughly enjoyed the fascinating talks, and I will miss my daily dose of culture in January! Dare I hope for more next December?

Heather Sun, 26/12/2021 - 11:57 Permalink

Absolutely loved your Adventure Calendar, thank you.

Patricia Sun, 26/12/2021 - 11:35 Permalink

Yes I thought today's was particularly good as I had never heard of Kwanzaa. i have really enjoyed everyday so far- thank you

Maggie Roberts Sun, 26/12/2021 - 10:32 Permalink