A Christmas tree gifted from the city of Gothenburg lights up O'Connell Street in Dublin.
Since 1965 the Swedish city of Gothenburg has presented Dublin with a Christmas tree. Watched by a large crowd, the 18-metre Scandinavian Christmas tree in the middle of O'Connell Street is lit up by 19-year-old Annette Lundahl. Following a competition, she was selected to be crowned Lucia, the Swedish Goddess of Light. In this role, Annette Lundahl wears a crown of candles and traditional clothing.
Annette Lundahl is joined by six Swedish women in traditional costumes to sing the festive song 'Sankta Lucia' ('Saint Lucia'). The song depicts Lucia as a figure who banishes darkness with light.
In Sweden the festival of Saint Lucia is celebrated on 13 December.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 17 December 1970.
