Open to all is perhaps the most magical celebration of the year, the Lucia concert. Tickets are still available for the London Swedes event taking place in the Asylum Chapel from the 10th to the 14th of December. 100% Christmas Spirit and happiness guaranteed.
For the third year in a row, the organisation LondonSwedes are hosting a set of unique Christmas concerts in the stunningly setting of the Asylum Chapel, celebrating one of Sweden’s most beloved traditions, Lucia.
In December, Lucia is honored all over Sweden with candlelight processions that brighten up the dark winter days. Lucia and her entourage have now made their way to London where they will share their magic and Christmas spirit. Perhaps somewhat less formal event compared to the this years St Pauls’ Lucia concert. I’ll imagine this event being more modern, more laid back and definitely festive, warm and welcoming.
LondonSwedes’ Lucia Nights in London
Lucia Nights is one of LondonSwedes’ most popular events during the year. This year the choir will also be joined by lead singer Cecilia Stalin as well as the award-winning Swedish singer-songwriter Miriam Bryant. The unique venue of Asylum Chapel in Peckham makes for the perfect setting for these intimate shows, where spectators are treated to traditional Christmas songs as well as Swedish Christmas delicacies, which can be purchased during the intervall.
Tickets still available for shows on the 10th to the 14th of December. Adults from £20, children from £10 and children 0 – 3 years free. Book your tickets on www.designmynight.com
About the tradition ‘Lucia’
The original name of this special day is Saint Lucy’s Day, however, in Sweden, we simply call it Lucia. Swedes have been celebrating Lucia for 400 years. The Queen of Light herself is an ancient mythical figure with an abiding role as a bearer of light in the dark Swedish winter. Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred, killed for her faith, in 304. Back then the persecuted Christians in Rome were hiding in the catacombs under the city. She would secretly bring them food but had to wear candles on her head for her hands to be free. The story was told by Monks who first brought Christianity to Sweden.
The main celebration takes place on December 13th, while there are candlelight processions the
week before as well. On Lucia’s day, you will see thousands of young girls and boys emerge from the darkness, gently silencing the crowds with a procession of light and beautiful singing. Today the action usually begins before dawn in schools, churches, and offices. The procession is led by the girl picked to be Lucia, dressed in a long white gown with a red sash and a crown of lights. She is joined by girls wearing similar outfits as Lucia and boys will be ‘star boys’ wearing tall pointed hats and star wands. As part of the celebration there will be the Scandi version of mulled wine glögg and saffron-flavoured sweet buns ‘lussekatter’.