A Swedish holiday tradition that celebrates light during winter’s darkness will be held in southeast Iowa this weekend. The Swedesburg Heritage Society will be hosting the presentation of the new Saint Lucia and Christmas caroling at the Swedesburg Parish Hall. Karla Crawford Kerr, a member of the Swedish Heritage Museum board shares that Santa Lucia wears a white robe with a red sash and a crown that includes four candles, “She also has a star child carrying a star-tipped wand who follows Santa Lucia as she passes out saffron buns. Now our Santa Lucia will not be wearing burning candles, we use battery-operated. We think that’s a little safer. But with the story, there is a winter night and she is the maid of light. And these candles are shining in all her glory and this Christmas festival is celebrating the spirit and reminder of the light in the world at a dark time.”

Traditionally the celebration begins on December 13th and runs through January 13th.

Kerr explains each year a girl is selected to portray Santa Lucia, “We are thrilled to announce our Santa Lucia will be Josie Settles. And Josie is actually the daughter of a former Santa Lucia, Joanna Settles. And her sister (Jema) was our 2023 Santa Lucia, as well. So, Josie is a student at Pella High School. She has been super involved in the museum and all of our events since she was a little girl.” Her father is Jess Settles and her grandmother Trish Woepking is the Museum Director.

The event is free and open to the public; it begins at 6 p.m. Sunday, December 15th. In addition the Swedish Heritage Museum will be open.