This feast day (which falls during the Advent season, during which Christians prepare spiritually for the arrival of Christ) honors St. Lucia (also called St. Lucy), a martyr who is said to have brought food to the poor and Christians hiding in the Roman catacombs. In order to carry more food and light her way, she is said to have worn a wreath of candles on her head. Consequentially, candles and lights frequently play a part during the feast day celebrations–which are held on December 13, the shortest day of the year in the Julian calendar, and a day when you can use a little more illumination.
The Caribbean island that was given the saint’s name by European colonizers, has made the Feast of St. Lucia its National Day. But it’s the night before that’s particularly festive. On December 12, a celebration is held wherein lights are lit throughout the capital of Castries. There are lantern-making competitions and a Parade of Lanterns all of which help light the way in a dark season. The celebration reaches its zenith with a fireworks display.