click buttons to play the Sankta Lucia song*

A special tradition at Holy Trinity is the annual celebration of this ancient Swedish festival, which commemorates the selfless love of a young woman who became a Christian martyr.  Traditionally set on a day near the winter solstice, this festival of lights is a wonderful children's pageant that is a delight to behold.

Our Sankta Lucia (St. Lucia) festival is held on the first Sunday of December at the end of Holy Trinity’s 10:30 am worship service.  Dozens of children participate, all in costume and playing special roles in the pageant.  The grand finale is the entrance of Sankta Lucia herself wearing a crown of candles.   Sankta Lucia is played by a teenage girl from Holy Trinity, although the girl chosen each year is kept a closely-guarded secret until she appears at the end of the festival.  A special fellowship hour complete with Swedish delicacies follows the service.

More children are always welcome to join in. Preparations start around Halloween under the able direction of Ann Wills.

*Thanks to Douglas D. Anderson for making available his beautiful midi recording of the Sankta Lucia song!.