August 31st; Kräftskiva! (Crayfish Party)

Hi all! I am starting to update posts now!

At the very end of August, I had the opportunity to attend a kräftskiva! A kräftskiva is a crayfish eating party that happens at the end of August throughout Sweden. It is a very popular social gathering that happens at the end of summer.

I only have my own experiences at my host parents kräftskiva, but this is how our night went!

First, we all gathered around our dining room table like we usually do for dinner, and it was decorated with different crayfish decorations! On our plates, there were small napkins with different songs on them, as well as a name tag in theshape of a crayfish with my name on it! (Pictures above!)

There were two bowls set around the table; one with crayfish and one with shrimp! There were other dishes as well - including a type of cheese cassarole! There was also constantly toast on the table.

Once everyone was set, then the fun began! Those who were old enough to drink, (not me nor my youngest host sister) sang a song from the napkin, and at the end, took a shot of snaps! Snaps are usually akvavit, although it may also be vodka, bitters/bitter liqueurs or some other kind of brännvin/brændevin. From what I have heard, snaps aren't drank for its delicious nature, but mainly for tradition. After the first drink, the eating begins. Eating crayfish is meticulous work, but you get to laugh and talk with those around you.

Throughout the night, you keep singing songs and taking shots of snaps, until eventually everyone has filled up with enough crayfish or you run out!

I do like seafood, and while crayfish isn't my favorite, it was still very good! I also had a lot of fun hanging out with my host family! I hope I can share this tradition with my family next August once I'm back home.

New Swedish words & phrases I've learned:

• Gör - Make

• Höga - Play

• Skulle - Should

• Hade - Had

• Låta - Sound

• Springa - Run

• Se - See

• Bli - To become

• Lite - Little

• Mindre - Smaller

Talk soon!

Älskar dig!