Crayfish party facts for kids
A crayfish party is a special summer celebration common in countries like Sweden, Finland, and Norway. In Sweden, it's called a kräftskiva. This fun tradition started in Sweden and later spread to other Nordic countries, including parts of Finland where people speak Swedish. You can also find similar celebrations in the Baltic states, especially in Lithuania and Latvia.
These parties usually happen in August. This timing began because, for most of the 1900s, there were rules in Sweden that only allowed crayfish to be caught in late summer. Even though those rules are gone now, the tradition of having the parties in early August continues.
At a crayfish party, people often wear silly paper hats and bibs. They decorate with paper tablecloths and paper lanterns, which sometimes show the Man in the Moon. It's a very festive atmosphere!
Special drinks are served, and people often sing traditional songs together. The main food is, of course, crayfish! They are boiled in salty water and seasoned with fresh dill. The crayfish are served cold and eaten with your fingers, which is part of the fun. Other foods like bread, mushroom pies, strong Västerbotten cheese, and salads are usually served buffet-style.
Crayfish Parties in Spain
A Swedish Tradition in Herrera de Pisuerga
For over 40 years, the town of Herrera de Pisuerga in Province of Palencia, Spain, has celebrated its own Festival Nacional del Cangrejo de río, which means "Crayfish's National Festival." Crayfish have always been a part of the local food there.
Since 2011, this Spanish town has added a "Swedish dinner" to its festival. During this dinner, people enjoy a street party with paper lanterns and candles, just like a real Swedish kräftskiva. For the very first Swedish dinner, a special guest, Eva Boix, who was the First Secretary and Chancellor of Spain, attended the festival. This shows how traditions can travel and be enjoyed in different parts of the world!
See also
In Spanish: Fiesta del cangrejo para niños
