In Finland, crayfish parties are usually held in August or September to mark the end of summer. Crayfish are featured in Finnish restaurants from the end of July to the beginning of September. The 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. 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. The party may be set up outdoors or in gardens, patios or balconies, lit by candlelight and colorful lanterns.

Country holiday destinations organize crayfishing trips, with dinner prepared from your own catch. For information, contact Uotila Villas and Holiday Cottages, www.uotilanlomamokit.com,  and Villa Hepolahti, www.villahepolahti.com.  The most popular crayfish restaurant in Finland is the idyllic villa NJK in Helsinki which serves over 30,000 crayfish each year. NJK is located on the small Valkosaari Island and is a three-mminute ferry ride from the Helsinki city center. For more information, visit www.royalravintolat.com/njk.

Restaurant Sipuli in Helsinki will be hosting a special Crayfish Festival on Aug. 26 to 28. Ranked number 12 on the 2009 list of “The 50 Best Restaurants in Finland,” Restaurant Näsinneula in Tampere serves crayfish on top of the highest observation tower in the Nordic countries with a view of Lake Näsi. For more information, visit www.sarkanniemi.fi/www/ravintola.

Restaurant Rocca, located by the River Aura in Turku, serves gourmet crayfish meals as well as traditional boiled crayfish during the season. For more information, visit www.rocca.fi.  For more destination information, visit www.visitfinland.com.

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