Lucia day Celebrations Marred By Racist Abuse Targeting Daniela Owusu
The recent celebration of Lucia day brought joy to many, yet it was overshadowed by the shocking wave of racist abuse directed toward Daniela Owusu, the newly crowned Lucia 2024. The festivities, held on December 13, have been tainted by thousands of hate messages aimed at Owusu, raising serious concerns about societal attitudes toward race.
Owusu, chosen from ten candidates through public voting, faced relentless, vile messages following her selection. According to Stina Heikkilä, the HR and Development Manager at Folkhälsan, the organization behind the Lucia celebrations, the messages contained everything one could expect from racists or neo-Nazis. "There are n-words being used, and shaming about her belonging to this country," Heikkilä stated, expressing the collective shock within the community.
The overwhelming nature of the hate directed at Owusu, who is of Ghanaian descent, has taken many by surprise. Reports indicate Owusu has both received direct online abuse and witnessed significant backlash aimed at her friends and associates. The volume of these hateful comments, which Heikkilä said includes thousands of messages, is unprecedented for Folkhälsan.
“We have never seen anything like this before,” Heikkilä noted, emphasizing the emotional toll it has taken on Owusu and the organization. “We are all very shocked and angry. It’s just sad to see such a celebration of light overshadowed by such negativity.”
Prior to her official crowning, Daniela Owusu had already spoken out about the hostile environment surrounding her, addressing the issue on TikTok back in November. Owusu attempted to counteract the negativity with strength, stating, "I delete all racist and sexist comments. I don’t want them on my posts. I want to protect children from seeing such things.”
Despite the hate, the support she has received has also been encouraging. Owusu’s choice as Lucia is seen as challenging traditional images often associated with the role, which has typically represented more conventional Nordic ideals. During her crowning ceremony at the Helsinki Cathedral, she expressed hope to inspire children and young people by showing them anyone could embody the Lucia spirit.
Lucia has long symbolized light and humanity, celebrated through acts of charity and community spirit. Folkhälsan also pointed out they have received unprecedented support from beyond language borders—a reminder of solidarity against racism.
Statistics highlight the alarming prevalence of racism within Finland. According to research published last year by the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, Finland ranks among the most racist countries in the EU. Interviews revealed alarming figures: 43% of respondents with African backgrounds reported experiencing racial harassment within the past year, and 46% encountered discrimination during job searches.
These insights underline the urgent need for societal change and reflection. Addressing the concerning spike of hostility directed at Owusu, Education Minister Adlercreutz labeled such messages as born from the insecurity and fear of their senders. "Racism must be openly condemned, as it proliferates from ignorance and misunderstanding," he asserted.
Moving forward, Folkhälsan is contemplating their next steps, emphasizing dialogues about how to address this troubling trend and provide safety for Owusu. “We want to discuss how we can proceed after everything and make sure Daniela feels safe,” noted Heikkilä.
Despite the vitriol, the message of light and hope will remain at the center of the Lucia celebration. Daniela Owusu continues to shine as not just the symbol of the Lucia tradition but also as the embodiment of resilience and courage against adversity.
The Lucia festivities, drawing followers from various walks of life, are set to continue, with Owusu scheduled to appear at around 100 different venues across the country, from nursing homes to hospitals, aiming to spread her message of light and positivity. Her participation, now more than ever, serves as proof of the fight against racist prejudices, seeking to bridge divides and evoke empathy.
Daniela Owusu’s validation as Lucia is not simply about tradition; it’s about what she stands for at this tumultuous time. Communities rallying behind her symbolize hope for change, pushing against the darkness of bigotry.
