For Sweden 13th December is an important day. It is the beginning of Christmas. It is the festival of Santa Lucia or the Festival of Light. On that day the eldest daughter of the family traditionally dresses in a white robe and wears a crown of candles, bringing lights to the dark winter. It is also a festive reason with specially dishes, foods and drinks for the occasion. Santa Lucia Festival is celebrated in Italy, Norway and Swedish Finland.

1. First created 12 Dec 2020. Version 1.0 - 12 Dec 2020. Daperro. London.
Santa Lucia
A Swedish Festival

2. Prosecution of Christians
In Ancient Rome Christian were prosecuted by the Roman.
Before sunrise at Isle of Man

3. Underground Cemetery - Catatombs
To avoid Roman prosecution, some Christian worshiped and lived in underground cemetery, called catacombs.

4. Saint Lucia bought food to the Christian
It was before Christmas that St Lucia bought food and aid for the Christian, to the Catacombs, bearing lights with her.
Painting of St Lucia before the Judge by Lotto 1532.

5. Festival of Santa Lucia
St Lucia Festival (the Festival of Lights) is celebrated in Italy, Sweden, Norway and Swedish Finland, on 13 December.

6. Festival of Light in Sweden
It is cold and dark in Sweden at this time of the year. It becomes a major event in the Swedish Calendar.

7. In Sweden the festival marks the beginning of the Christmas season.
The Beginning of Christmas
Swedish Christmas card.

8. The Beginning of Christmas
Christmas tree and a choir with candles lights. It is a welcome festival bring lights to the long, dark Scandinavian winter.

9. Swedish Tradition
According to the Swedish tradition, the oldest girl in a family rises early on St Lucia Day. Dressed in a white gown with a
red sash around her waist and a wreath of candles on her head.

10. Swedish Folklore
According to the Swedish folklore, the long night was dangerous, with dark spirit out in force. Staying awake was
paramount and eating help

11. Lucia Feast

12. Lucia Baking
A varieties of special breads, cakes and biscuits are baked for the occasion.

13. Lucia Foods and Drinks
Typical foods and drinks for the occasion.

14. Lucia Buns
These are the Lucia Buns, with almonds, raisins, orange peel and lemon peel.

15. Lucia Ginger Biscuits

16. Glogg – Ginger Drink
A special drink called the Glogg is made for the occasion. Its ingredients are red wine, cinnamon, Ginger, cloves, star anise,
orange peel, sugar and raisins.

17. Dog is welcome, if it is dressed for the occasion.

18. Music – Santa Lucia by Quartetto Mimesi