Saint Lucia's Day

Nothing much to say except that the Saint Lucia's Concert was really excellent. Basically St. Lucia's Day is observed to usher in the Christmas season. Street performances as well as the traditional Lucia concert takes place every year on December 13th. Lucia buns made with saffron together with the hot wine (Glögg, it is called in Sweden) were served along the town square while we were on the way to the Grand Hall. Never have the streets in Lund been so crowded before ever since I arrived.

*The street procession*

*Us at Lucia's Concert*

*What are they doing?*

The evening was filled with excellent voices and pieces from the pianists in the University's Grand Hall, and I really think this concert was much more worth attending than anything else. No regrets buying the tickets for it.

*Lucia is the one with the candles on her head*

So in the concert, as per the traditional Swedish Lucia celebration, Lucia comes in with her maids and candles, bringing the light of hope in the dark winter. Girls are dressed in white and equipped with candles. St. Lucy is also known as the patron saint of those who are blind according to what I've read online before. Here are some videos of the concert but I'm so sorry for the poor quality since I wasn't using a proper video camera.

The Opening of the Concert (Song: Santa Lucia)


Welcoming Lucia


Three of the many songs they sung




The Closing of the Concert Part 1 (Song: Santa Lucia)


The Closing of the Concert Part 2 (Song: Santa Lucia)

One and a half hour of songs to mark St. Lucia's Day, perfect, and I really loved the opening and closing song, "Santa Lucia". 4 hours after the concert has ended, the tune is still playing in my mind, making me unable to really concentrate on what I'm supposed to do (study!).

This is a better quality video of Lucia and her maids singing Santa Lucia.

And the girl who plays the role of Lucia, some say that she would be elected because she is one of the prettiest girl around in the town? Lucia was indeed very pretty when I saw her up close. Well, I'm not sure, but I'm really glad that they did not use battery-operated candles on her head, which some places do. It was real candles with real fire.

*Lucia*

*My classmate, Charlotte, was involved in the concert too*

Well, that's about it I guess. St. Lucia's seems to be the last day for everyone to gather together before they disperse back to their respective hometowns for the festive season. Soon, Lund will be a deserted town once again, and most probably with only Asians around since the Europeans are all heading home for Christmas.