Kräftskiva
Crayfish party
Scandinavian tradition linked to crayfish harvest regulations
A crayfish party is a traditional summertime eating and drinking celebration in the Nordic countries. The tradition originated in Sweden, where a crayfish party is called a kräftskiva. The tradition has also spread to Finland via its Swedish-speaking population,[1] and Norway. A similar tradition exists in the Baltic countries in particular in Lithuania and Latvia.[citation needed]
Crayfish parties are generally held during August, a tradition that began because the crayfish harvest in Sweden was, for most of the 20th century, legally limited to the late summer.[2] Nowadays, the kräftpremiär date in early August has no legal significance. Customary party accessories are novelty paper hats, paper tablecloths, paper lanterns (often depicting the Man in the Moon), and bibs.[2]
Akvavit and other kinds of snaps are served, as well as beer, and traditional drinking songs (snapsvisa) may be sung.[3][2] The crayfish are boiled in salt water and seasoned with fresh dill – preferably "crown dill" harvested after the plant has flowered – then served cold and eaten with the fingers. Bread, mushroom pies, strong Västerbotten cheese, salads and other dishes are served buffet-style.[2]