A Circle of Light: SISOG’s Inclusive Lucia Celebration
At SISOG, we believe that our school is a social and cultural meeting place. This morning, that belief came to life in the most beautiful way as our entire community gathered in the darkness of the early morning to celebrate the Swedish tradition of Santa Lucia.
Meeting outside on the Meyrin rugby pitch, lit only by a circle of candles, students, staff, and parents stood together against the winter dark. While Lucia is a Swedish tradition, our celebration is deeply rooted in our value of Community—a collective organized for the good of the whole.
We sang five songs together, with voices from many different nationalities blending into one. A highlight of this year's event was our Upper Primary students (5P-8P). They performed the traditional "Santa Lucia" song in two parts on the recorder, showcasing their musical dedication and adding a hauntingly beautiful melody to the morning air.
The ceremony concluded with a repetitive song, “Ljuset I Mörkret” designed to be inclusive, allowing everyone to join in the singing regardless of the language they speak at home. It was a powerful reminder of our mission to provide a multilingual and multicultural setting where everyone belongs.
No Swedish celebration is complete without Fika. Before the children began their school day and parents headed off to work, we shared warm glögg and delicious traditional treats baked by the students themselves. It was a morning of warmth, light, and togetherness, the perfect start to the day.
