Thank you all for a wonderful Lucia celebration!
The outdoor celebration was covered by CBS 2 Chicago, WGN, NBC 5 and ABC 7. Here is the link to CBS.

Lucia in Chicago
Celebrate St. Lucia Day with Lucia candidates representing Swedish-American organizations throughout the Chicago area. This year we will start the celebration with a candle lit procession from the Museum to the Andersonville Winter Market on Catalpa Avenue. The performance will then take place in front of the Christmas tree at the Andersonville Winter Market. Just like in previous years there will also be a performance at the Ebenezer Lutheran Church, only this year you will need a ticket from the Church in order to attend. Another change this year is that the choir will get some additional help since singing masked is very difficult to hear. If you would like to be part of the Lucia procession please click here.

The Legend of Lucia
Lucia is remembered in Sweden every year on Dec. 13, the longest night according to the medieval calendar. On that morning, the eldest daughter portrays Lucia, awakening her parents singing the Lucia Song and serving them coffee and Lucia Buns. Each year every city, town and school chooses their own Lucia. Even the Nobel laureates are awakened during their stay in Stockholm by a specially chosen Lucia and her attendants.

The real Lucia was born of noble and wealthy parents in Syracuse, Italy in the fourth century. At an early age she vowed to devote her life to serve Christ and the poor. She was a brave Christian woman who nightly brought food to the Christians hiding in the catacombs. As her arms were full of food she wore candles on her head to light the path before her. She was discovered, tortured and condemned to death by burning. Miraculously she did not die and as a last resort she was killed by a sword. Later she was canonized by the church, receiving the name by which she is known “Sankta Lucia”. There are many legends, but in each one, Lucia becomes the symbol of light and hope to mankind. She comes on the darkest day of the year to herald in the joyous Christmas season. Thus the Christmas holiday begins with feasting, singing and the spirit of friendliness and goodwill to all.

Enjoy this collection from Chicago Lucia past created by Paul Muhr.