Canals lit up as Copenhagen marks St Lucia’s Day

A flotilla of kayaks decked in lights and Christmas decorations floated through the canals of central Copenhagen last night to celebrate St Lucia's Day.

Thousands watched from streets and bridges as around 400 kayaks illuminated the Danish capital's dark canals.

"We have people coming from other northern countries but also Italy and last year we had someone coming from the States so it's a big thing now," said Tobias Weber-Andersen of Danish Kayak Republic, organiser of the event.

He was speaking to Reuters news agency.

Traditionally St Lucia's Day is celebrated on the evening of Dec. 13 with a procession of singing children dressed in white and led by a "Lucia Bride" wearing a candle crown.

In the Caribbean, 13 December is the national day of the island named after the saint.