On Tuesday Finns and other Nordics celebrate the Feast of Saint Lucy, known here as Lucia. The festivities, which are mostly observed among Finland's Swedish-speaking minority, are part of the run-up to Christmas and a symbol of brightness in the darkest time of year – about a week before the Winter Solstice on 21 December.
In Finland the main event is the crowning of a young woman chosen each year to represent the third-century Italian saint. She dons a wreath carrying live candles in a ceremony at the main Lutheran Cathedral beginning at 5 pm.
An hour later, she emerges from the church and descends its massive steps to Senate Square. She and her entourage then lead a procession through the city. As many as 30,000 people gather in the square for the spectacle.
Charity fund-raiser
This year marks the 60th Lucia procession in Helsinki. Each year's Lucia is chosen by public vote as a charity fund-raising scheme, and then works for several weeks visiting hospitals, retirement homes and schools and other facilities.
This year's Lucia is Ingrid Holm, a 19-year-old student from Kimitoön, an island municipality in south-west Finland. She is an old hand as Lucia, having previously been chosen for the role in her hometown of Dragsfjärd as well in the city of Turku.
The Swedish-language event can be watched via the Yle Areena site.
