Kwanzaa is a non-religious holiday celebration of the harvest which runs from December 26th to January 1st. Observance in the U.S. began in 1966 when Dr. Malauna Karenga first promoted the holiday because he believed the principles of the harvest are vital to building stronger and more wholesome communities. An estimated 18 million people worldwide and 2.1% of U.S. adults (approx. 5 million) say they plan to celebrate Kwanzaa.