The contest held in Oulu allowed for a variety of Star Boys’ pageants typical of the Oulu region, including a modern one with modifications in content and music. Usually, the pageants last around 15 minutes, and at the end, the performers ask the audience for a small change donation. The text of the pageants can be obtained both in English and Finnish from the link listed below. In the coming days Star Boys’ performances can be occasionally enjoyed in cafés and restaurants downtown. From December 1-21, every day at 18:00 a group of “tiernapojat” will perform in the Oulu City Theatre, and on December 11 a special theatre themed evening will take place at 19:00, free of charge.

The Coronation of Oulu’s Lucia

On December 9 at 14:00, Oulu’s Lucia will be crowned on Rotuaari Square. Each year a girl from the Swedish school is chosen for that purpose. She receives a crown with lit candles, and is dressed in a white robe. This tradition came to Finland from Sweden, and it commemorates the martyr death of a Christian maiden, Saint Lucy, who lived between 283-304 A.D. on the island of Sicily. According to the legend, Lucia was tortured to death, because she refused to accept a pagan man she was supposed to marry. It is also told that she could resist her persecutors for quite some time by miracles and divine intervention, but eventually died. Lucia means “light”, her name deriving from the Latin root “lux”. The white dress of Lucia symbolises purity. The reason for crowning her with lit candles is related to an ancient light festival, which used to be celebrated at the winter solstice.

During “kaamos” – the darkest time of the year in Scandinavia – people in Finland and Oulu create a light and merry atmosphere by arranging “pikkujoulut”, literally “Little Christmas” parties. They take place in schools and work places, or in private homes. Usually, the hosts serve Finnish Christmas dishes and “glögi”, a spiced hot wine or red grape juice. Sometimes the guests are also asked to bring along some food, and the party is then celebrated in the form of a potluck meal. Normally, people come to “pikkujoulut” wearing a red cap, “tonttulakki”, or in clothes based on a special dress code. Most likely, a fun programme will enhance the mood of the partygoers – one shouldn’t miss the opportunity to attend a “Little Christmas” party!

Christmas Events in Churches