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Sweden's S. Lucia choir in Rome

By: Wanted in Rome

Date:

27 Nov, 2017

The choir of S. Lucia, one of Sweden’s best-loved traditions, comes to Rome thanks to the Swedish embassy in Italy.

This year’s choir of young students from Stockholm will perform Swedish traditional Christmas songs, carols and hymns at the Basilica di S. Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, in Piazza della Repubblica, at 10.30 on Sunday 10 December.

The choir's main public concert is held later that day, at 18.00, at Piazza di Pietra in the historic centre. Guests will be provided with Swedish Christmas treats such as glögg (hot spiced wine), pepparkakor (ginger bread biscuits), and julmust (non-alcoholic soft drink).

On Monday 11 December the choir will perform at the IKEA store at Porta di Roma at 11.00.

S. Lucia, the Italian martyr from Syracuse, has over the years lent her name to a festival of light in Scandinavia.

Now one of Sweden's most important annual events, the festival features youngsters dressed in white robes and red sashes, carrying candles in procession as traditional songs are sung.

For insights into Rome's Swedish community see Wanted in Rome feature article.