Crayfish !

I discovered that the annual crayfish party is the culinary highlight of the year for the many Finns I met and the great schnapps!
The tradition of arranging a party dedicated to feasting on boiled crayfish originates from Swedish and Russian high society, who at the beginning of the 20th century indulged in the abundantly available crayfish when visiting Finnish resorts. Later, crayfishing season was limited to a couple of months to prevent over-fishing which led to the development of crayfish as a sought-after delicacy.
Crayfish parties are usually held in August or September to mark the end of summer. The relaxed and cheerful atmosphere at the dinners is enhanced by drinking songs and schnapps. Schnapps songs often have humorous contemporary lyrics that appear to be about anything and everything – from appreciation of the magnificent crayfish to the beauty of Finnish women.
When eating crayfish, I learned strict table manners are set aside. Only a small portion of the body of a crayfish is edible, so sucking and slurping is encouraged to fully enjoy the tasty meat and juices found inside the crayfish. Eating is done with one’s bare hands with the help of only a small knife for breaking the hard crayfish shell and claws. To protect clothing, it is advisable to tuck a napkin into collars or necklines or to wear a crayfish bib.
The decorations duplicate the theme color: brilliant red. The party may be set up outdoors or in gardens, patios or balconies, lit by candlelight and colorful lanterns. The aromatic herb crown dill is an important decoration that can also be tasted in many of the dishes. Chanterelle soup, potato salad, herring, and smoked fish are seasonal delicacies typically served with the crayfish.