Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African American culture and heritage, observed from December 26 to January 1. Maulana Karenga created it in 1966, and each day centers on one of seven principles, the Nguzo Saba, such as umoja (unity) and ujima (collective work and responsibility). Kwanzaa is cultural rather than religious, so people of many faiths take part, lighting candles on a kinara and often gathering for a feast (karamu) on December 31.