It's the 35th celebration of KwanzaaFest!!! On January 1, 1985, the African American Dance Ensemble (AADE) held our first KwanzaaFest in the city of Durham. Kwanzaa is a celebration for all people, focusing on family, friends, and the fruits of the earth. Celebrated December 26th – January 1st, the name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which means “first fruits of the harvest.”