Saint Lucia Day 2024 in Copenhagen

Every year on December 13, as soon as the night gloom sets in, hundreds of brightly lighted kayaks appear on the surface of the Nyhavn canal. Kayakers, typically wearing Santa's hats, float peacefully along the waterway, chanting about Saint Lucia. This is the highlight of Saint Lucia Day celebration in Copenhagen, designed to commemorate the 3rd-century saint from Sicily. The festival, popular in several Scandinavian countries, was originated in Sweden in 1927 and then borrowed by the Danes in 1944.

Saint Lucia Day traditions

One of the numerous legends about Saint Lucia says she used to feed the poor during the Lent that started precisely on December 13. She had to carry candles on her head for she needed both of her hands to feed the hungry. That explains other widely popular processions that take place during the festive day. Girls dressed in the white walk with candles in their hands and sing the Lucia song. They are always led by the Lucia Queen, whose main attribute is a crown made of candles.

Lights and fires bear symbolic meaning. When St Lucia devoted herself to God, she was determined to preserve her virginity. Nobody, including executives, could break her, so she was sentenced to be burnt. By a kind of miracle, the fire couldn't hurt her, and at last, she was beheaded with a sword. In present-day celebration, miraculous fires bring light, hope, and strength to people for the darkest and coldest months in a year.

Kayak Procession Details

The Saint Lucia kayak procession starts at 5 pm. A fleet of kayaks, adorned with lights and candles, glides through the historic canal, creating a mesmerizing display of flickering lights reflected on the water. The procession follows a scenic route, starting from the Kayak Republic Tour Agency and moving along the Nyhavn, Christianshavn, Blox, and Højbro Plads, before looping back. Locals and tourists alike gather along the waterfront to witness this stunning tribute to the Swedish Saint Lucia tradition, where light overcomes the darkest time of the year.

Other Saint Lucia Day Events

In addition to the kayak procession, Copenhagen hosts traditional Lucia processions, featuring children dressed in white robes with candlelit crowns. They can be seen in schools, churches, and public squares throughout the city. One of the most iconic processions takes place at Grundtvig's Church, where choirs fill the cathedral with beautiful Lucia hymns, adding to the solemn and serene atmosphere. Another popular location is Tivoli Gardens, where visitors can enjoy a Lucia procession amid the enchanting Christmas lights and festive decorations, blending two beloved holiday traditions.

For those looking to experience more of the Saint Lucia festivities, public concerts are held in various churches, featuring traditional hymns and candlelight ceremonies, bringing light and hope. Whether viewed from the canals, churches, or the city's beloved landmarks, Copenhagen's Saint Lucia celebrations create a beautiful and heartwarming tribute to this Nordic tradition of light in the darkest days of winter.