Berkley Center

The history of Kräftskivor, the Swedish crayfish party, is at the core of Swedish culture and tradition. Swedes love crayfish—catching it, eating it, and celebrating it. They love it so much that crayfish were nearly fished to extinction, thus prompting a law that prohibited crayfish fishing between November and August of each year. As a result, Swedes decided to celebrate the end of crayfish season by having Kräftskivor every August. Crayfish parties are now commonplace during the end of August and beginning of September, also symbolizing the end of summer. For me, my first crayfish party symbolized the beginning of an unforgettable semester.

To set the stage for this iconic crayfish party, I must first note that my host family lives in an apartment complex within the greater Stockholm area. The neighborhood is charming and spacious, providing the ideal atmosphere for families such as mine. The apartment complex itself is a square, with a garden, kids play area, and tables for summer dinners in its center. On the night of the crayfish party, the courtyard was as full as I’d ever seen it—full of families, food, and community. All the tables were closely lined up as to symbolize a desire for togetherness, where families and neighbors could all celebrate as one. Even despite my clear lack of Swedish-ness, I was greeted warmly and treated like any other resident.

The night began around dinnertime and lasted long into the darkness. We ate so much amazing food—cheeses, breads, pasta, desserts, and of course, crayfish. (Cold crayfish, I might add.) I tried crayfish for the first time AND discovered a profound love for halloumi cheese. We drank champagne, played a Swedish version of Kahoot, and just talked and talked. The party happened to be exactly a week after I arrived in Sweden and was the perfect way to end the first of many wonderful weeks. It helped my host family and I grow more comfortable with each other and also revealed to me—both explicitly and implicitly—how so much of Swedish culture is deeply rooted in tradition and egalitarianism.

Regardless of the differences that I observed in background, character, or family composition, there was a pervasive sense of sameness and camaraderie during the course of the evening. This sameness reflects a society that tries its best to be equal and inclusive. It is indicative of a country that is so respectful of its traditions and history, while simultaneously expanding and growing in response to all of the modern challenges that we face. I have seen this in the diversity of residents, heard it in the conversations with my host parents, and constantly absorbed it throughout my time here thus far. Sweden continues to inspire me, surprise me, and impress me. It has its struggles and setbacks, yes, but the people I’ve met here are so kind, humble, and welcoming. I have found it hard to be homesick in this place that can so easily become a home.

This crayfish party was far more than an excuse to eat delicious cheeses and cold fish. It was a celebration of what it means to be Swedish, a definition that continues to grow and change. It was one of my favorite nights thus far and reminds me how lucky I am to have chosen Stockholm as my abroad home.