Saint Lucia's Day is celebrated every year on the 13th of December in Sweden, Norway and in Finland (by Swedish speaking Finns), as a Festival of Light. An annual Lucia Parade is held on Lucia's Day in most of the cities of the above mentioned Scandinavian countries. In Helsinki, the crowning of the Lucia Maiden takes place at the Helsinki Cathedral. After the crowning, the Lucia Maiden walks down the stairs of the Cathedral dressed in white and wearing a chandelier on her head leading the Lucia Parade through the city.

The original Saint Lucia was a Christian girl from Syracuse, Italy, and was one of the earliest Christian martyr saints. She was beheaded on the 13th of December in 304 A.D. during the persecutions of Christians.

For information on how to cook and prepare Traditional Finnish Foods, from the everyday dishes to the festive meals and desserts, served on Finnish holidays and celebrations, please visit the Finnguide Finnish Recipes Section.

Public Transportation runs according to the normal timetable for the day of the week on which this event occurs.

Finland shops and services run their normal opening hours according to the day of the week, on which this calendar event occurs.
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