Enjoy the beauty and music of an ancient winter tradition! Celebrate the Swedish Lucia at the Canadian Museum of Civilization
Gatineau, Quebec, November 22, 2002 —The Canadian Museum of Civilization, in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden and IKEA Canada, invites the public to a traditional Swedish celebration of the winter solstice — the Swedish Lucia — on Friday, December 13, 2002.
Lucia Day is the only festival that can be called uniquely Swedish. It is also one of the most important winter celebrations in Sweden, when girls dress up in white gowns, red sashes and special crowns to parade with candles through homes, hospitals, schools and other buildings. This candlelight procession commemorates a young Italian girl, Lucia — mythologized in Swedish tradition — by offering some food and the gift of light at the darkest time of the year. It also serves as a symbolic preparation for the Christmas fast that, ever since medieval times, starts at sunrise on December 13.
PROCESSION AND CONCERT IN THE GRAND HALL — 8:00 P.M.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
At 8:00 p.m., ticket holders will enjoy a spectacular candlelight procession through the Museum’s Grand Hall by more than 60 singers from the Ottawa Regional Youth Choir and the Cantata Singers of Ottawa, directed by Barbara Clark and Laurence Ewashko. An evocative choral concert of Swedish Lucia songs and Christmas hymns will enchant visitors and put them in the holiday spirit. After the concert, the audience is invited to enjoy a traditional smorgasbord — a light Swedish buffet — courtesy of IKEA Canada.
Tickets sell quickly for this popular event. They are on sale now through Ticketmaster at
(613) 755-1111 and at the Museum Box Office. They are available for $12 for adults and $10 for seniors, students and children.
Public Information Line: (819) 776-7000 or 1-800-555-5621
Media Information:
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7167
Media Relations Officer
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7169
Fax: (819) 776-7187
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