Crayfish party

Kräftskiva, Häringe slott, 1991

A crayfish party (Swedish: kräftskiva) is a traditional summertime eating and drinking celebration in Sweden and Finland. The parties are typically held during the month of August, which is the prime season for catching and eating crayfish.

History

The tradition of crayfish parties dates back to the 16th century in Sweden. Initially, crayfish were considered a delicacy reserved for the aristocracy. However, by the late 19th century, the practice of holding crayfish parties had spread to the general population. The parties became particularly popular in the early 20th century, coinciding with the introduction of crayfish fishing restrictions to preserve the population.

Customs

Crayfish parties are characterized by their festive atmosphere. Participants typically wear colorful paper hats and bibs, and the tables are often decorated with paper lanterns and other festive decorations. The crayfish are usually boiled with dill, and served cold with bread, cheese, and aquavit.

Songs

Singing is an integral part of a crayfish party. Traditional Swedish drinking songs, known as snapsvisor, are sung throughout the evening. Each song is typically followed by a toast and a shot of aquavit.

Food and Drink

The main dish at a crayfish party is, of course, the crayfish. They are usually served cold and eaten with the hands. Other common foods include västerbotten cheese pie, knäckebröd (crispbread), and surströmming (fermented herring). The primary beverage is aquavit, but beer and other spirits are also commonly consumed.

Related Celebrations

Crayfish parties are similar to other Nordic celebrations such as the Midsummer festival, which also involves traditional foods, drinks, and songs. Another related celebration is the Lobster party in Norway, which follows a similar format but features lobster instead of crayfish.

See Also

• Swedish cuisine
• Finnish cuisine
• Aquavit
• Midsummer
• Surströmming
• Västerbotten cheese