Good old Greenlandic Kaffemik

The more the merrier

The traditional Greenlandic kaffemik is a social and festive affair to celebrate special events like newborn babies, birthdays, and confirmations. Any event worth celebrating calls for a kaffemik. The word ‘kaffemik’ is translated as ‘via coffee’. This meeting over a cup of coffee is really just an excuse to get together and socialize.

Usually, the man or woman of the hour is the one hosting the festivities. It’s the kind of event that requires the finest china and may take multiple days to prepare for. While it does involve a lot of work for the host, the most important element is to gather people—the more the better!

During a kaffemik, more than 50 people may come and go through the whole day. Friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors may pop in to drink coffee, have some food, and mingle before leaving and making way for new guests to arrive. A kaffemik creates a warm and welcoming environment for old and new acquaintances alike. It’s normal for visitors to attend, so there’s no need to feel shy!

Keeping it casual

A kaffemik is a laid-back affair and guests aren’t expected to dress up. The emphasis is on interaction, not fashion. The door is open to almost everyone that wishes to swing by, and invitations are usually spread by word of mouth and through social media. Just be ready to mingle, bring your small-talk skills and an empty stomach. Please do remember to take off your shoes and leave them outside the house. It’s considered rude to wear shoes in the house.

Sometimes the host will be wearing the national costume. This garb can differ a bit depending on the part of the country you’re in and the honoree’s gender. The male version of the costume is called qaqortumaartoq in indigenous Greenlandic; the female version is called arnatoortoq.

The men’s costume is less colorful and usually more functional than decorative, with a waterproof, white, hooded jacket made of fine materials like silk and satin, and with dark pants and kamik boots. Sometimes the national costume is decorated with dyed sealskin that has been cut into strips and woven into the attire.

Colors and patterns are more common for the women’s national costume, made up of a blouse with pants, and a waterproof, hooded jacket over it. Their kamik boots are thigh high and made of sealskin, embroidered with silk and floral patterns. It really is a sight!

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Photo: Andrea Klaussner, Mads Pihl – Visit Greenland and Martin Johansen

Arrive hungry

At a kaffemik, expect several Greenlandic culinary specialties. Of course you’ll enjoy a fresh pot of coffee, as well as a large number of cakes. Hot dishes are often served as well, so you might be able to sample the country’s unique delicacies, usually sourced during local hunts.

In Greenlandic culture, hunting and fishing are steeped in centuries of tradition. At the core is utmost respect and appreciation for the reindeer, musk ox, and marine animals that provide needed sustenance to these remote communities. Greenlanders still use traditional methods for preparing and serving food, such as boiling ingredients in seawater to give them a salty taste.

A kaffemik is a great way to truly experience Greenlandic culture and to meet the locals. If you are invited to one while traveling with us on an expedition cruise to Greenland, don’t miss it. Think of it as a unique sneak peek into the social lives of Greenlanders.