13th December is Luciadagen in Sweden and Scandinavia, this year on a Saturday, so I could attend a Lucia concert in the Hague!
I started my day in the Hague going to Norvolk, a Scandinavian bakery in Scheveningen, which I had been to for a lussekatt last year as well.
Last year it really had the classic S shape, this year it look slightly different, but still with raisins!
In the evening I went with a friend to the Kloosterkerk in The Hague, where a Swedish choir – Svenska Högtidskören held a Lucia concert, as you see them in Scandinavia. They hold concerts elsewhere in the Netherlands too!
It began in the darkness, with all the girls in the processions holding a candle and walking in a line to where they would stand and sing.
The concert started at 19:30 and lasted one hour.
One of the highlights was Lucia’s having the candles on her crown lighted – behind the pillars, but I could see it well from where I was sitting! It felt so magical.
They sung traditional Swedish songs of course, but also Stille Nacht/ Silent night in German and English.
Then, they walked back, with Lucia in front, and stood all in a circle with her in the middle.
It was possible to give money for a charity – a food bank in Amsterdam in this case.
It was a whimsical experience and definitely among other things that makes me enjoy Christmas time!
Follow for more Nordic experiences!
ScanShop: Nordic supermarket in Luxemburg
I visited Scanshop, a supermarket for Nordic expats in Luxembourg and Belgium. It offers a wide range of Scandinavian food products, including rye bread, fish, and sweets, alongside flags and tableware.
A collection of (unintentionally) Hilarious False Friends in Nordic languages
Take a train in Scandinavia to reach a “slutstation” or see”fartkontrol” signs while driving. Kiss and killing also mean something you were not expecting!
Swedish Café in Utrecht: Broodnodig
In Utrecht, the cafe Broodnodig serves Swedish pastries and cakes as cinnamon and cardamom buns, kladdkaka, smulpaj and Scandinavian seasonal treats as semlor and saffron buns.
