Family weekend fun: Kwanzaa celebrations

December 25, 2014 at 8:00PM
Kenna Cottman, center, led the Funga Alafia, a traditional West African song and dance meant for welcome and blessings, during Kwanzaa Celebration Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, at the Minnesota Historical Center in St. Paul, MN.] (DAVID JOLES/STARTRIBUNE) djoles@startribune.com Folks looking for a family-oriented happening with a little substance this long holiday weekend need look no further than Minnesota History Center's Kwanzaa Family Day. This year's celebration at the museum falls on day four o
Kenna Cottman, center, led the Funga Alafia, a traditional West African song and dance meant for welcome and blessings, during Kwanzaa Celebration Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, at the Minnesota Historical Center in St. Paul, MN.] (DAVID JOLES/STARTRIBUNE) djoles@startribune.com Folks looking for a family-oriented happening with a little substance this long holiday weekend need look no further than Minnesota History Center's Kwanzaa Family Day. This year's celebration at the museum falls on day four of festivities and honors "ujamaa". The Kwanzaa Holiday is based on seven basic values of African culture called the Nguzo Saba, which in Swahili means the seven principles.**Kenna Cottman,cq (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

KWANZAA CELEBRATIONS

Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration that honors black heritage, culture and seven core principles (Nguzo Saba). There are events around town in honor of the holiday, including one at Midtown Global Market. Guests are treated to music, historical tales spoken by local storytellers and crafts. Ethnic food is also available. (3-6 p.m. Sat. Free. Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St., Mpls. 612-872-4041. www.midtownglobalmarket.org.) Kwanzaa family day at the Minnesota History Center also joins in to celebrate the "first fruits of the harvest." The program includes music, dancing, demonstrations and art making. (Noon-4 p.m. Sat. $6-$11. Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. 651-259-3000. www.mnhs.org.)

MELISSA WALKER

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