FESTIVAL SANTA LUCIA

Festival of Santa Lucia: A Celebration of Light and Hope

The Festival of Santa Lucia is a traditional Swedish holiday that is celebrated on December 13th. The holiday commemorates the martyr Saint Lucia, who is known for her bravery and faith.

The celebration of Santa Lucia has a long and rich history in Sweden. It is believed that the first Santa Lucia celebrations took place in the 16th century. At that time, Sweden was a Catholic country, and Santa Lucia was a popular saint. After the Protestant Reformation, the celebration of Santa Lucia was banned in Sweden. However, the tradition was revived in the 19th century, and it has been celebrated every year since then.

The Festival of Santa Lucia is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the light of hope. The holiday is marked by a number of traditions, including the Santa Lucia procession, the singing of carols, and the eating of traditional Swedish foods.

The Santa Lucia Procession

The Santa Lucia procession is one of the most important traditions of the Festival of Santa Lucia. The procession takes place on the morning of December 13th, and it features a young girl dressed as Santa Lucia. The girl is accompanied by a group of other children dressed as angels and stars.

The procession begins at the church, and it then winds its way through the town or city. As the procession passes by, people sing carols and light candles. The procession is a beautiful and moving sight, and it is a reminder of the light of hope that Santa Lucia represents.

The Singing of Carols

Carols are a big part of the Festival of Santa Lucia. The most popular carol is “Sankta Lucia,” which is a Swedish folk song. The carol tells the story of Santa Lucia, and it is often sung during the Santa Lucia procession.

Other popular carols include “Jul, jul, strålande jul” (“Christmas, Christmas, shining Christmas”) and “Nu tändas tusen juleljus” (“Now light a thousand Christmas lights”). These carols are sung in churches, homes, and schools throughout Sweden during the Festival of Santa Lucia.

The Eating of Traditional Swedish Foods

The Festival of Santa Lucia is a time to enjoy traditional Swedish foods. Some of the most popular foods include:

Lussekatter: These are saffron buns that are shaped like cats. They are a popular treat during the Festival of Santa Lucia.
Pepparkakor: These are gingerbread cookies that are often decorated with icing. They are a popular treat during the Christmas season in Sweden.
Glögg: This is a mulled wine that is served warm. It is a popular drink during the Christmas season in Sweden.

The Festival of Santa Lucia is a beautiful and meaningful holiday that is celebrated in Sweden. The holiday is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the light of hope. The Santa Lucia procession, the singing of carols, and the eating of traditional Swedish foods are all part of the rich tradition of the Festival of Santa Lucia.