The Scandinavian Cultural Center provides numerous activities that
change with each year. However, five favorite events make their way
onto the calendar every year.
According to an old Danish folk song, the Christmas season lasts until
Easter. Fastelavn is celebrated in the months between these two
holidays. Rooted in ancient pagan rituals, the celebration is meant to
usher out winter and bring in spring. From candies and costumes, to
face painting, there is something for everyone. More.
When King Olav V of Norway visited in 1975, local Norwegian Americans
staged a festival to introduce him to local immigrant traditions. It
was such a success that it became an annual tradition. Today it focuses
on Norwegian foods, entertainment, crafts, and demonstrations of such
arts as rosemaling (traditional Norwegian painting), embroidery,
spinning, and woodcarving. More.
An annual event on the PLU campus since 1975, this event is a blend of
sermon, song, and candles. The service has become a family tradition
for many in the Tacoma-Seattle area. The entire service is conducted by
a local Norwegian pastor under the twinkle of candlelight. More.
This all-you-can-eat festival features a variety of traditional holiday
dishes and deserts from the five Nordic countries along with live
entertainment. It's a great way to begin your holiday celebrations
without having to do any of the work! More.
Every year the Scandinavian Cultural Center at PLU sponsors a Lucia
contest. The winner is given a $500 scholarship. On the first Friday of
December, the Center presents a Lucia ceremony, which consists of
various forms of Swedish entertainment such as dancing, children's
choirs, the telling of the Lucia legend, and the crowning of Lucia. The
celebration marks the beginning of the Christmas season at PLU. More.