What's a Swedish crayfish party?

It is an old tradition that has become an excuse to party, drink, and consume unhealthy amounts of crustaceans. But for those who have never been to a crayfish party, it can be a bit confusing as to what exactly is being celebrated.

Jonas Engman, an ethnologist at the Nordic Museum in Stockholm, says that crayfish have been on Swedes' plates for a very long time indeed.

"People have been eating crayfish since the sixteenth century, but it wasn't until the nineteenth century when the parties actually started," he explains.

"It was a way to say farewell to summer and welcome to autumn. And August was also the month the crayfish were ready to be fished."

The consumption of the crayfish grew significantly in the end of the nineteenth century to a point where they were overfished, meaning Sweden needed to draw in the reins instead of the nets. A law came into force that only allowed consumption from August 7th – the kräftpremiären ("Crayfish Premiere") – through to November 7th.

"But the law was abolished in 1994," Engman explains.

Nowadays the party is usually celebrated throughout August and into early September.

Here, Engman shares the five key ingredients for a successful kräftskiva (pronounced kreft-HWEE-va).

1. Crayfish

Without a doubt, the most important ingredient. And make sure they're well prepared. Other Swedish foods that go along with the festivities are Västerbotten cheese and knäckebröd (crispbread).

2. Snapsvisor

Some would argue that the snapsvisor (traditional drinking songs) are more important than the alcohol itself. These songs are supposed to be sung when taking shots. Engman said that there are many varieties and tunes, and that it's often students who add new songs to the mix.

One popular snapsvisa is called Helan Går – literally "the whole thing goes". Here are the lyrics in Swedish:

Helan går

Sjung hopp faderallan lallan lej

Helan går

Sjung hopp faderallan lej

Och den som inte helan tar

Han heller inte halvan får

Helan går

Sjung hopp faderallan lej

If that sounds like a bunch of mumbo jumbo, never fear, someone has created an English version too so you can sing along. Well, sort of. 

Hell and gore 

Chung Hop father Allan Ley 

Hell and gore Chung Hop father Allan Ley 

Oh handsome in the hell and tar 

and hell are in a half and four 

Hell and goooooore ...

Chung Hop father Allan Ley

3. Decorations

The trademark décor found at crayfish parties are round moon faces hanging from the ceiling and walls, marking the large August moon and the fact that summer is getting darker. 

4. Party hats

These are optional but tend to be included, usually with a picture of a crayfish on. Why? Who knows why. Just put your hat on and get on with it. 

5. People

What is party without the people? Crayfish parties in Sweden are very similar to Christmas parties in that the whole family tends to get together to celebrate. So make sure you've got plenty of room if you're hosting. 

With that in mind, take one more look at the lyrics above, pour out some aquavit... and say skål! 

Article written by Isabela Vrba in 2014 and updated by The Local's editorial team in 2023.