Saint Lucia’s Day, celebrated on December 13th, is one of Sweden’s most atmospheric traditions, symbolizing light in the darkest part of winter. The hallmark is the Lucia procession (Luciatåg), led by a girl portraying Lucia wearing a white robe with a red sash and a crown of real or battery-operated candles. She is followed by handmaidens (tärnor), "star boys" (stjärngossar) in cone hats, and occasionally children dressed as gingerbread men or Christmas elves. These groups visit schools, hospitals, and offices, singing traditional hymns like "Sankta Lucia." A central part of the tradition is the food: specifically Lussekatter, which are S-shaped saffron buns colored yellow to represent light, and ginger snaps (pepparkakor). Families often celebrate at home by having the eldest daughter serve coffee and buns to her parents in bed before dawn. In 2026, many cities also hold large-scale concerts in cathedrals, creating a hauntingly beautiful experience of choral music and candlelight that bridges the gap between pagan winter solstice roots and Christian hagiography.