Sizzling Europe

If you ever pass by Sweden and see boys and girls dressed in white with candles, and are wearing hats with golden stars at its point, then you’ve probably just caught yourself within the country’s St. Lucia Day celebration.

Every 13^th of December, most Swedish schools close after lunch to give way for this occasion honoring the Italian Christian saint believed to have once visited the country. The festival is also the Swedish communities’ mark for the Christmas season.

Various cities in the country have their own ways of merry-making, special foods like the traditional bun known as Lussekatt or St. Lucia’s bun are often eaten and served. In bigger cities, contests are held for choosing St. Lucia of the Year, where women dress as the saint and people do the voting. Songs and dances also fill the streets of Sweden during this holiday.

Although these cities have their ways of celebrating, one modern tradition though that is observed is the public processions participated by all.

saint lucia, sweden, festival