Raelee Telen is an honoree at this year’s Sankta Lucia Festival of Lights. Telen was also a runner-up to Miss Scandinavia 2022 at the Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Festival.

ASTORIA – The Sankta Lucia Festival of Lights, organized by the Astoria Scandinavian Midsummer Association, will honor Nordic tradition with carols, dancing and a ceremony, held at 7 p.m. Friday at Astoria High School.

Sankta Lucia is a ceremonial holiday celebrated throughout Scandinavia on Dec. 13, honoring the legend of Lucia of Syracuse. The festival will include a lighted procession and holiday declaration from Raelee Telen, this year’s honored Lucia bride. Telen will lead a group of attendants and Star Boys in the ceremony.

Also planned for the event are carols, a Christmas tree lighting and music from the Polka Dots. Refreshments will also be provided. Admission for the event is $1 per person or $5 per family, benefiting the association’s scholarship fund.