Congratulations! A kiss and a drink, and you’re now an honorary Newfoundlander!
Screech-ins happen all over the province, but in St. John’s, the notorious George Street is the spot to become an honorary Newfoundlander
In April 1947, Newfoundland sent a delegation to London to begin the process of becoming a Canadian province. It was also the year when Ontario permitted licensed bars to serve spirits to the public for the first time in thirty years. Coincidence? Probably not, especially after experiencing a Screech-in.
The Screech-in is a ceremony held at many local pubs where the ceremony initiates visitors to Newfoundland culture. The ritual starts with reciting a couple of time-honoured Newfoundland expressions, followed by kissing a codfish and downing a shot of rum. Congratulations, you’re now an honorary Newfoundlander!
The fish-kissing story tells us that cod powered the economy long before Newfoundland became a Canadian province in 1949. Back then, cod was traded with the West Indies for rum. Salt cod became the national food of Jamaica, while rum became the national food of Newfoundland. The rum used to be high-octane, and no one seemed to care until American soldiers arrived during World War II, waiting to be shipped overseas. These soldiers were offered this rum and, being soldiers, gulped it down in one shot. Their faces contorted, and they let out a screech. The story spread, and the first thing soldiers wanted when they landed in Newfoundland was a shot of the rum that would make them screech.
Experiencing Canada host Nathan Coleman (right) with Brian Day (aka Skipper Lukey), owner and operator of Christian’s Pub. (The Weather Network)
Screech-ins happen all over the province, but in St. John’s, the notorious George Street is the spot to become an honorary Newfoundlander. Reports suggest that George Street serves up more adult beverages per square foot than any other location in North America. People flock here like puffins to get “Screeched-in.”
Becoming a citizen in most places around the world takes a bit of work. You must fill out long government forms and navigate some red tape before being sworn in. But that’s not the case in Newfoundland, and especially not at Christian’s Pub. With its warm décor and well-stocked bar, Christian’s doubles as a gathering place for bartenders and George Street staff. Established in 1979, Christian’s is the first bar on George Street, where today, Skipper Lukey regularly Screeches In visitors while entertaining guests with Newfoundland’s unique language, culture, and history. You may come from away, but if you sit with Skipper Lukey, you’ll leave as an honorary Newfoundlander.
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