A Swedish holiday tradition that celebrates light during winter’s darkness will be held in southeast Iowa this weekend, and features a Pella High School student in the center of it. The Swedesburg Heritage Society will be hosting the presentation of the new Saint Lucia and Christmas caroling at the Swedesburg Parish Hall.
Traditionally the celebration begins on December 13th and runs through January 13th. The celebration of Saint Lucia dates back centuries and honors the legend of a young Christian martyr who brought food and hope to persecuted Christians in Rome during the dark days of winter.
This year’s Saint Lucia will be Josie Settles. Josie is actually the daughter of a former Saint Lucia, Joanna Settles. And her sister Jema portrayed the 2023 version, as well. The family is involved in the Swedesburg, Iowa, museum, as Josie and Jema’s grandmother is the current director.
The event is free and open to the public; it begins at 6 p.m. Sunday, December 15th. The Swedish Heritage Museum will also be open.