In some
parts of Europe, particularly in northern countries, it is traditional to
celebrate Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy) on December 13th: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Bavaria, Croatia and Slovakia and Italy.
In a few regions where Santa Lucia is celebrated, children do not expect Santa Claus in December, but they do expect Saint Lucy to bring them gifts (at least those who have been good; the not-so-good ones know that receiving coal is a possibility).
In a few regions where Santa Lucia is celebrated, children do not expect Santa Claus in December, but they do expect Saint Lucy to bring them gifts (at least those who have been good; the not-so-good ones know that receiving coal is a possibility).
Although Santa Lucia's day is officially on December 13th, in the North-East of Italy celebrations begin a few days earlier with the Saint passing by every night with the sound of a bell and carrying chocolates
and sweets. The sweets and chocolates are obviously not carried by
the Saint, but by the parents who are behind the organisation of these traditional events. Those parents are also the ones ringing the bell and giving sweets to kids (this makes both, children and parents very happy!).
The night between December 12th and December 13th, Santa Lucia will arrive with a donkey, so children and parents make sure there will be plenty of water and hay.
Another point of interest are the
decorations that are put up in the North of Italy, as they decorate the center
with lights and stalls, making the celebration similar to Christmas.
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