Low-Budget Kwanzaa Celebrations in Los Angeles, California

It is that time of the year again, the time celebrate culture, community, and family. Kwanzaa comes from Swahili, and it means "First Fruits of the Harvest." It has seven guiding principles that include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. These values are highlighted with a day of celebration for each, beginning December 26, with Umoja (unity) and ending with Imani (faith) on January 1st.

This year's Kwanzaa theme is Kwanzaa and the Seven Principles: "Repairing and Renewing the World" according to Kwanzaa's founder Dr. Maulana Karenga. In this time of money troubles, there are great places to celebrate Kwanzaa on a low budget or for no fee at all. Here are some cheap places to enjoy Kwanzaa celebrations in Los Angeles and surrounding areas of California.

In Los Angeles

Kwanzaa Fest at the California African American Museum December 7:

600 State Dr. (Exposition Park), Los Angeles, California 90037 213-744-7432

Come and enjoy art, music, and dance as you celebrate the Kwanzaa principles in Los Angeles. Enjoy the holiday market place where you can buy holiday gifts and see exhibitions from Africa. The celebration will take place on December 7, 2008 with the museum opening at 11am and live shows at 1pm. It is a free event, you just pay $6 parking fee at 39th and Figueroa Streets. For more information please visit the museum online at www.caamuseum.org

In the Bay Area

Bay Area Discovery Museum Kwanzaa Celebrations December 26: Fort Baker, 557 McReynolds Rd. Sausalito, California 94965 Phone: (415) 339-3936

Come celebrate community and culture with the Bay Area Kwanzaa celebrations, which will take place on December 26, 2008 with arts, craft, and electrifying performances involving audience participation. Celebrated jazz drummers E.W Wainwright and his ensemble will be featured, take you through a musical journey of the African American experience. Instrumental music, songs, and theater, will be featured as well. There will be two shows at 11am and at 1pm at the Discovery Theater. The performance is free, as is admission to the museum. You can find more information online at www.baykidsmuseum.org

In San Diego

Kwanzaa Celebration at the World Beat Cultural Center December 27: 2100 Park Blvd. San Diego, California 92104 619-230-1190

This free Kwanzaa celebration highlights the second principle of Kwanzaa Kujichagulia, which means self-determination. It will take place on December 27, 2008 from 6pm-10pm. You will need to pre-register to reserve a seat online at www.worldbeat.org or call the phone number above. The contact person is Makeda Dread Cheatom. Remember it is all free!