Twenty-fifth annual Santa Lucia celebration at Foothill Flowers in Grass Valley on December 9

On Sunday, December 9, at 1 p.m., the 25th annual Santa Lucia celebration will be held at Foothill Flowers, 102 W. Main St., in Grass Valley.

The Scandinavian traditional celebration consists of a pageant portraying Santa Lucia with court of Lucia brides and star boys.

Santa Lucia was born in Sicily and burned at the stake by Romans in 304 AD for giving her entire dowry to the needy, and for unwavering belief in Christ.

Legend has it that Santa Lucia’s apparition appeared in later years to stop a famine in Sweden with gifts of food. Santa Lucia Day has been celebrated in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Italy.

Students from Yuba River Charter School will present the pageant this year. Swedish beverages and treats will be served.

The Legend of Santa Lucia will be narrated for the 25th consecutive year by David Breninger, former Grass Valley City Administrator.

For more information, call Foothill Flowers at 273-2296.