Andersonville Hosts St. Lucia Festival

The annual St. Lucia Festival of Lights was held in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood on December 13, 2010. The festival is a Sicilian tradition that the Swedish people have come to love, and which they have adopted. The dazzling festival began with a torch lit procession at The Swedish American Museum, located at 5211 North Clark Street, Chicago. In addition, The Lucia Girls led the procession wearing flowing white robes and donning magnificent candle crowns while singing "The Lucia Song."

After the procession, attendees were invited back to The Swedish American Museum to enjoy refreshments, family activities and singing. The procession was free to those who attended, however, admission to The Swedish American Museum was one dollar, or a canned good food item. These small donations went to benefit homeless individuals. At 7:00 pm, following the St. Lucia Festival of Lights, a St. Lucia service was held at the Ebenezer Lutheran Church. For more information about this annual event or information about The Swedish American Museum, call 773-728-2995.

Sources: http://www.mrshea.com/germusa/customs/lucia.htm
http://www.eldrbarry.net/mous/saint/luciaday.htm