Experience the Swedish Lucia Festival in East Greenwich

Winter in New England can feel long and – let’s face it – a little dreary. But for those in the know, there’s a Scandinavian secret to brightening up December: the Lucia Festival, hosted by the Rhode Island Swedish Heritage Association (RISHA). For nearly 25 years, this event has transformed St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in East Greenwich into a warm, candlelit celebration of tradition, community, and light during the darkest time of the year.

If you’re unfamiliar with Swedish customs, this festival is the perfect introduction. Lucia Day honors Saint Lucia, a young Christian martyr who, legend says, wore a crown of candles while delivering food to Christians hiding in Rome’s catacombs. She symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, a sentiment that deeply resonates during the cold depths of winter.

“Lucia represents hope and light during the darkest time of the year,” says Astrid M. Drew, RISHA’s Lucia program manager. “For Swedes, especially in the northern regions where the sun barely rises in December, this celebration offers both literal and figurative light. Here in Rhode Island, it’s a way to brighten the season for everyone.”

The festival kicks off with a candlelit procession, led by a girl chosen to represent Lucia, her head crowned with real candles. Accompanied by attendants dressed in white, she leads the group in singing traditional Swedish hymns, creating an atmosphere that is both peaceful and magical.

But be warned: the warmth of the Lucia Festival will melt away any excuse to stay home. After the glow of the candles, guests are treated to Swedish holiday treats like saffron-spiced Lucia buns and lingonberry juice. Kids and adults alike will delight in a visit from Jultomte, the Swedish Santa Claus, adding a fun family touch to the day. “It’s a time to renew our sense of community and to find joy in being together,” Drew adds.

For those curious about Swedish culture, the festival also includes a playful tomte skit, where participants, dressed as house gnomes, act out a scene celebrating these mischievous but protective spirits. “Tomte are like your home’s guardian spirits,” Drew explains. “You’ve got to keep them happy with porridge or treats, or they might cause a little trouble!”

The day is filled with musical performances from the Scandinavian Women’s Chorus and the East Greenwich Brass Band, making it a heartwarming way to embrace the holiday season, no matter your background.

“Even in Sweden, where fewer people are religious, Lucia is still widely celebrated,” Drew notes. “It’s about finding light, hope, and community, and that’s something everyone can relate to, especially here in New England, where the winter months feel so long.”

If you’re looking for a little escape from the cold, step into a world of candlelight, music, and Swedish cheer. The Lucia Festival is the hidden gem of the holiday season, and a perfect reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s always light to be found. Saturday, December 14 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 99 Peirce Street, East Greenwich, RISwedishHeritage.org