Cary, N.C. — Cary's annual community Kwanzaa celebration features music, crafts and traditional African foods Thursday at the Cary Arts Center. It marks the 18th year that the community has celebrated the holiday.

Kwanzaa, which means "first fruits," is a week-long celebration of cultural heritage started in the African-American community. It runs from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1 and places emphasis on seven basic principles: unity, self-determination, collective work, cooperative economy, purpose, creativity and faith. Families light one candle each day to honor a specific principle.