Local performance incorporates Swedish traditions into Christmas show
Christmas can be celebrated in many ways, with each culture putting its own spirit into the usual Christmas festivities.
In Bay Ridge, not surprisingly, celebrations often have a Scandinavian touch, as in the Lucia procession that was the highlight of a Christmas Show performed by children from several local after school programs at the First Evangelical Free Church, 6501 Sixth Avenue, on Saturday, November 28.
The event — which celebrates light on one of the darkest days of the year — was organized by The Ridge Creative Center, Theater On The Go and The Scandinavian East Coast Museum. Performances from Santa’s Workshop, as well as the Swedish Lucia procession around the darkened church, served as the main entertainment for the night, with the youngsters donning white clothes and carrying stars. The child who dresses as Saint Lucia wears a golden crown with candles and leads the procession.
Following the performance, attendees got to make Scandinavian cookies. They also enjoyed visits from Christmas characters including Santa. Fun craft activities included making a “tomter,” a traditional Scandinavian elf.
Victoria Hofmo, the founder of the Ridge Creative Center, noted, “The show came out really well; we hosted the performance right near the first Sunday of Advent which was a nice way to begin the holiday season.”
The children who performed during the evening “worked as a team,” and “the audience was amazing” in giving them a standing ovation after the first half of the show was over, Hofmo recalled. “It was really very festive.”
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