kwanzaa is a week long celebration held in the united states to honor universal african heritage and culture. people light a kinara (candle holder with seven candles) and give each other gifts. it takes place from december 26 to january 1 every year. it was created by maulana karenga and was first celebrated in 1966 - 1967. non-african americans also celebrate kwanzaa. the holiday greeting is "joyous kwanzaa".