Festivity of Santa Lucia – A Scandinavian Christmas Tradition in the Heart of Palma
Every year on December 13th, the Swedish community in Mallorca invites everyone to celebrate Santa Lucia Day, a beloved tradition that symbolises the arrival of light during the darkest time of the year.
This year’s main celebration takes place one day earlier: Friday, 12 December
The highlight is the Lucia procession and concert at La Seu Cathedral, beginning at 20:00 (doors open at 19:15). Expect an enchanting evening of Swedish songs and customs: Lucia in her iconic white gown and candlelit wreath, followed by handmaidens, star boys, and children dressed in festive costumes moving through Palma’s Gothic cathedral.
Behind the scenes: a tradition prepared with great care
At midday this week, La Seu hosted the general rehearsal, filling the cathedral with children’s voices as students from the Swedish School of Mallorca — from the youngest pupils to 3rd-year ESO — practiced the entrance procession, choir formation, and part of this year’s repertoire. Teachers and staff fine-tuned every detail: the movement of groups, age-based staging, and the coordination of the “star boys” who accompany Lucia.
This year, 140 students will perform songs in Swedish, Catalan, Spanish, and English, reflecting both the school’s diversity and the tradition’s growing integration into Palma’s pre-Christmas calendar.
A tradition with history
The Santa Lucia concert has been celebrated by the Swedish School of Mallorca for more than 25 years. First held at Plaza de Cort, it moved to La Seu in 2017 to welcome the increasing number of families, locals, and visitors drawn to this luminous Nordic celebration.
A week of performances across the city
The spirit of Santa Lucia spreads far beyond the cathedral:
- Sunday: Performances after Mass at Parròquia de Sant Francesc de Paula (General Riera).
- Thursday: 3rd-year ESO students bring their repertoire to Plaça Gomila, in an event organised by Gomila Activa.
- Friday (before the main concert): Solos and small groups will perform at Palma Bread (Santa Catalina) and Rialto Living (Sant Feliu).
These intimate recitals – from neighbourhood venues to Palma’s grand cathedral – create a full week of celebration that shares this cherished Swedish tradition with the entire city.
If you plan to attend the main event at La Seu:
Arrive early to secure a seat for this moving, candlelit celebration.
Glad luciadag!
