The Festival of Saint Lucia

The Festival of St. Lucia, which is traditionally celebrated on December 13, begins the Christmas season in Swedish custom.

 According to Swedish legend, a ship carrying a maiden "clothed in white and crowned with light" appeared on the shore in Värmland during a great famine. The maiden, widely believed to be Lucia, distributed food and clothing to the needy, thus endearing herself to the Swedish people. As a school founded by Swedish immigrants, the Gustavus Adolphus College community has found it appropriate to celebrate some Swedish traditions. 

Traditionally at Gustavus a St. Lucia Court sings carols through the residence halls starting at 5 a.m., there is a service in Christ Chapel, and a luncheon following sponsored by the Friends of the Library - Gustavus Library Associates.

This year the St. Lucia Festival will be virtual.
Thursday, December 10
10 a.m. CST
A link to the livestream will be posted here

Legend of St. Lucia

History of St. Lucia at Gustavus

St. Lucia Festival Dates
Thursday, December 10, 2020