PHOTOS: Richmond’s Capital City Kwanzaa Festival celebrates nearly six decades of tradition
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Capital City Kwanzaa Festival returned to Richmond on Saturday afternoon, celebrating nearly six decades of the cultural holiday.
Hosted by the Elegba Folklore Society, the 2025 Capital City Kwanzaa Festival was held from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, Exhibit Hall B at 5th and Marshall St. The event also marks more than 30 years of celebrating Kwanzaa with the Elegba Folklore Society.
"Kwanzaa is a time that we can all come together and celebrate this holiday and ground ourselves in traditions that are based in traditional African celebrations but have African American influence as well," said Imani Bell, the production manager with the Elegba Folklore Society. "We base ourselves and ground ourselves in that spirit."
(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)
(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)
(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)
(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)
(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)
(Photo: Ethan Thompson, 8News)
Bell said Africans were uprooted from their homes and spread throughout the world.
People from across the Greater Richmond Region community -- and up and down the East Coast -- attend the festival to learn more about the holiday, enjoy performances and speakers and shop in the market.
"It's a time that we can all come together and feel good in our skin and in who we are," Bell said.
Those looking to learn more about their roots and African traditions are urged to come to engage with members of the community who celebrate the Kwanzaa holiday.
