by InTrieste
On December 13, towns across Friuli Venezia Giulia light up in honor of Santa Lucia, the “Saint of Light.” Despite the growing influence of imported figures such as Santa Claus, the tradition remains a fixture in local communities, celebrated with fairs, music, food, and markets.
The eve of December 13 sees Santa Lucia traveling through towns on her donkey, delivering gifts to children who have written her letters—a custom rooted in centuries-old religious devotion.
A Historical Figure of Faith and Courage
Santa Lucia was a young Sicilian woman who lived in the 4th century and became a Christian martyr. According to tradition, she refused to marry a pagan suitor, dedicating her life instead to her faith. When her family sought to force her into marriage, she endured persecution, ultimately being killed after her eyes were removed. Over time, she became the patron saint of eyesight and a symbol of inner courage and light.
Santa Lucia in Friuli Venezia Giulia
The Saint of Light remains particularly cherished in Friuli Venezia Giulia, although celebrations increasingly compete with international customs like Santa Claus. Local authorities and cultural associations have sought to preserve the region’s unique practices, keeping historical and religious traditions alive.
In Venzone, one of Italy’s most picturesque villages, the “Antîghe Sâgre di Sante Lussie” draws communities together on December 13. The festival traces its origins to a 17th-century votive offering from the Val Resia. Pilgrims traditionally walked to the small Santa Lucia chapel along the SS13 road before gathering in the town center for a market. Today, the event features a traditional fair, masses at the church, and local culinary specialties such as li tripis, or tripe, prepared according to historic recipes.
In Prata di Pordenone, the 29th annual Santa Lucia festival on December 13 and 14 combines gift-giving for children with a street market in Piazza Meyer, a procession with Santa Lucia on a carriage accompanied by donkeys, candy distribution throughout the town, and seasonal dinners.
San Daniele del Friuli hosts the Mercatino di Santa Lucia on December 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The historic center comes alive with Christmas stalls, food kiosks offering local specialties and mulled wine, children’s readings at the Guarneriana Library, and a Christmas concert at the Santuario di Madonna di Strada in the evening. Visitors can also enjoy the Pro Loco’s “Casetta delle Delizie,” featuring hot dogs, polenta with musetto, barley and beans, chocolate, and bombardino.
Other towns in the region also celebrate:
- Lauco: On December 13 at 8 p.m., a string concert by the “Complesso d’archi del Friuli e del Veneto” followed by a Mass in the Church of All Saints.
- Malborghetto Valbruna: Mass at 6 p.m. at the Church of the SS. Trinità, accompanied by traditional parish choirs from Valbruna, Ugovizza, and Camporosso.
Across Udine and the surrounding province, Santa Lucia is celebrated with fairs, markets, children’s events in museums and libraries, and concerts. The highlight remains the night of December 12–13, when Santa Lucia delivers gifts, keeping alive the magic and traditions of the “Saint of Light.”
