Visitors of ROC Holiday Village learn about Kwanzaa
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ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition hosted a pre-Kwanzaa celebration on Sunday at the ROC Holiday Village.
Visitors learned about Kwanzaa’s history and significance. Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture.
Organizers say it’s important that folks from all backgrounds understand and respect the meaning of this week long celebration.
“It’s been around for 56 years and it celebrates the culture of people of African descent, just as Christmas celebrates the culture of people of European descent. So it’s important for us to have our own and share with people what we’re about,” said Terry Chaka, elder of the Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition.
Kwanzaa begins on December 26 and continues through January 1.
The annual Lighting of the Liberty Pole and Family Lantern Parade to the Roc Holiday Village took place on Saturday. Mayor Evans, City Councilmembers, Santa, the Prime Time Brass band, and other holiday costumed characters were there to light the Liberty Pole at the corner of East Main Street and Franklin Street.
On Saturday, the annual Lighting of the Liberty Pole and Family Lantern Parade to the Roc Holiday Village took place. Mayor Evans, City Councilmembers, Santa, the Prime Time Brass band, and other holiday-costumed characters were there to light the Liberty Pole at the corner of East Main Street and Franklin Street.
After the Liberty Pole was lit, families were given free paper lanterns, and joined a parade to Roc Holiday Village, at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, where they enjoyed free visits with Santa, free crafts, and free ice skating.
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