Submitted by the City of Evanston
This is a very special year because the first day of Kwanzaa and the last day of Hanukkah will both fall on Monday, Dec. 26. The city is asking Evanston and surrounding communities to gather at Fountain Square on this momentous day at 11 to 11:30 a.m. to celebrate these two meaningful holidays.
The celebration will begin with a beautiful holiday dance solo followed by an opening statement made by Mayor Daniel Biss. Rabbi Andrea London of Beth Emet Synagogue and Pastor Ken Cherry of Christ Temple Church will speak briefly about the history and significance of each holiday. Finally, the first candle of Kwanzaa and the last candle of Hanukkah will be lit on the kinara and menorah displays, concluding the Community Sharing celebration.
At 1 p.m. bring the family to the Robert Crown Community Center for the city’s annual Kwanzaa Festival. This year’s City of Evanston Kwanzaa Festival will include artisans and food vendors, arts and crafts, an African drum circle, dance performances and storytelling.
Blending these two holidays and sharing the goodness and guidance each holiday teaches and observes is the perfect opportunity to have a meaningful, fun and enlightening community sharing event.