New Jersey residents celebrated the first day of Kwanzaa Tuesday.

The seven-day festival celebrates African-American culture and history. The holiday was created by Professor Maulana Karenga and was first celebrated in 1966.

The name Kwanzaa comes from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza,” which means "first fruits" in Swahili.

Those who celebrate the holiday light a candle in a special holder known as a kinara. One candle is lit each day of the celebration.

Kwanzaa ends New Year’s Day