Arcada, the Swedish university of applied sciences in Helsinki, invited all former employees and associates to have glögg (mulled wine but tastier) and to enjoy a Lucia performance by students and Christmas carols by the staff choir. It was a beautiful performance and atmosphere.
Lucia is in my opinion a lovely tradition among the swedish speaking Finns. There are a few legends about the Italian girl that supposedly became a saint. Anyway, she still brings light in the most swedish speaking daycares, schools and towns on Dec 13th, that was believed to be the shortest day of the year.
The nations “main” Lucia performs on the day in the main church of Helsinki (below pics from 2009) and the beautiful procession continues down the stairs. It is all free but if you want to go in the church, you need to be early to fit in. As the saint was doing good for the poor, the “main” Lucia is all for charity. You can donate here until the end of January 2014. This year the profits will help to organise support for lonely elderly people.
Back to Arcada, who certainly had reason to celebrate: they got their permanent concession yesterday. Congrats and yayy for many more years of free university education!
Free But Fun 
[…] I’ve posted pictures of the Helsinki Stockmann Christmas Window display every December since I started the blog. This year will be no different: here’s the winter wonderland they created this year. Also Christmas lights on Aleksanterinkatu and the main church while going to see Lucia. […]
[…] Lucia on Dec 13th. […]
Wonderful pictures! I love learning about all the different holiday traditions. 🙂
Wonder how wide spread the Lucia tradition is? Even though we say she comes from Italy, someone told me Italy doesn’t celebrate her…. But I like the beauty in the tradition!