Low Budget Kwanzaa Celebrations in Providence, Rhode Island

It's no surprise that the Renaissance city hosts a wide range of holiday events designed to suit anybody's religious and spiritual tastes. Providence, Rhode Island hosts traditional Christmas events, Hanukkah celebrations of the festival of lights, and, of course, Kwanzaa celebrations. Here's a guide to low-budget Kwanzaa celebrations in Providence, Rhode Island, and nearby.

The Season of Light celebration

Okay, it's not really in Providence, and it's not even during Kwanzaa, but The Season of Light celebration at the Universality Unitarian Church of Brockton, MA is spiritually open-minded. Featuring Kim, Reggie Harris, and Magpie, the event features music and storytelling from traditions that mark The Season of Light: Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. It's from 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM on Saturday, November 22. Tickets are $20.

http://javawockyuu.com/

Kwanzaa Celebration at St. Michael Church

St. Michael Church (239 Oxford Street, Providence) hosts a yearly Kwanzaa celebration on the last day of Kwanzaa or so. January 2 marks the date, and the event starts at 7 PM. The celebration is sponsored by the church and the Catholic diocese's Office of Black Catholic Ministry. There will be music by the Diocesan Gospel Choir. Refreshments will be served. Stop by the rectory to learn the details for this year's event, as well as information on you can adopt a family or your family can be adopted. (Restrictions apply, naturally.)

International Christmas Party / Kwanzaa Liturgy at St. Michael's Church

St. Michael's Church (not to be confused with St. Michael, this one's in South Providence) also hosts Kwanzaa related events. Early December will see the Annual International Christmas Party on the second Saturday (December 13) from 7:00 PM - Midnight. For more information, call the church at 401.781.7210 or drop by the rectory at the corner of Oxford Street and Prairie Avenue anytime. During the last Sunday of the month (December 28), the liturgy will include a storytelling of Kwanzaa, including the lighting of the Kinara and a description of each of the 7 Principles of Kwanzaa.

Spirit of Giving Holiday Drive

Finally, regardless of which holidays you celebrate: Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Eid-al-Adha, Las Posadas, Bodhi Day, Three Kings Day, Lunar New Year, Japanese New Year, St. Nicholas Day and many others, the Spirit of Giving Holiday Drive is a great way to help out those less fortunate than yourself. The Drive provides gifts and toys to make holidays special for families in need. It's especially important to celebrate our community during Kwanzaa celebrations throughout the city.

Over 550 families received gifts last year, and you, too, can be a part of the goodwill spread by the drive. If you are unable to sponsor a family, you can give a cash gift to the Holiday Drive fund, Emergency Crisis Fund, or a program donation of your choosing. The Holiday Line will be accepting calls for Family Wish Lists beginning Monday, November 3rd. Please call 401.276.4318 to be matched with a family.

http://www.cfsri.org/events-holiday.html