Getting “Screeched-in” was at the top of my Newfoundland bucket list.

Before I went, I knew about “kissing the cod” but I had a lot of questions like, “how long has the fish been dead for” “is the fish frozen or thawed” and “how many people kiss the fish at once?”

I really didn’t know what to expect. And yet, my experience getting Screeched-In at Christian’s Pub in St. John’s was one of the best things I did in St. John’s.

So, if you’re looking to get Screeched-In in Newfoundland, I’m here to lay it all out for you… without ruining the experience. I’m now an honorary Newfoundlander, after all. And while you’re here, check out my guide to where to stay in St. John’s!

👉 Jump to: What is Getting Screeched-In | Screeching In History | Where to Get Screeched In | What Happens During a Ceremony

What is Getting “Screeched-In?”

Getting Screeched-In is an initiation to become an honorary Newfoundlander. It’s their way of welcoming “Come from Away” people to the province.

Getting “Screeched In” is a ceremony in which the initiate recites a verse, eats a piece of bologna (Newfoundland steak lol) takes a shot of screech, and kisses a cod. The participant then gets a certificate declaring their honorary Newfoundlander status.

Screech itself, as Skipper Luke our initiator told us, is a 40% Jamaican Rum. When the rum gets to Canada from Jamaica, the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Cooperation blends the brew and bottles it.

However, the word “Screech” itself tends to refer to cheap, high-alcohol spirits in general. Kind of like “hooch” (same same but different, you know?) You can find Newfoundland Screech in most liquor stores across Canada.

History of the Screech-In

Newfoundland and Labrador was the first established colony in North America, and early trade largely revolved around codfish. Salted codfish was traded for pretty much everything else, including rum from Jamaica.

The legend goes like this: During World War II, an American stationed in Newfoundland had some rum and let out a “blood-curdling howl”. Someone asked out loud what that howl was all about and a nearby Newfoundlander replied, “The Screech? Tis the rum, me son.” The rest is history.

So that’s the rum. But the ceremony itself is a lot more current.

The Screech-In ceremony was devised by a man named Myrle Vokey. Myrle was a Canadian teacher who came up with the idea in 1974 as part of a Canadian Teachers’ Federation Conference.

It started out as a bit of fun and a joke but soon became a lot more.

I saw on the news that Myrle passed away exactly a week before I was set to get Screeched-In. This one’s for you, Myrle!

👉 Planning a trip around the province? Read my list of 19 best places to visit in Newfoundland next!

Where to Get Screeched-In (Best Pubs)

Christian’s Pub

📍 Map | Website | 👉 Book Your Screech-In Here

I researched where to get screeched in a lot, and the place that was recommended the most, by far, was Christian’s Pub. In fact, this was even recommended by personal friends, so it wasn’t just the internet telling me this.

Anthony Bourdain even got Screeched-In here by Skipper Luke. And then I got Screeched-In here by Skipper Luke.

Christian’s Pub is the oldest pub on George Street. But it’s not that old compared to the rest of the city. It was founded in 1979.

Trapper John’s

📍 Map | Website

Another popular place to get Screeched-In is at Trapper John’s Museum and Pub at 8 Beck’s Cove. While I didn’t get Screeched-In here and can’t personally recommend it, there are tons of positive reviews for it online.

👉 Read More: 7 Ways to Get Around Newfoundland and Labrador

What’s it Like Getting Screeched in?

I mean, getting Screeched-In is a lot of fun.

There were about 20 other people in our group, all crammed into Christian’s Pub.

Our ceremony started with the lights going low and a song belting from the audio system while Skipper Luke poured a shot of screech for everyone. He then gave us a very entertaining spiel of the history of screech, what it means to be screeched-in, and why what we were doing is special.

I won’t give it all away, but expect a somewhat-dramatic experience that doesn’t hold out on the entertainment.

The screech-in ceremony does make some provisions for people who may not want the traditional route. There are alcohol-free shots available and you are allowed to blow a kiss to the cod if kissing the same fish as 20 other people grosses you out.

But it’s supposed to gross you out. So.

Becoming Honorary Newfoundlanders

Fun fact, I’ve lived in four Canadian provinces. I was born in Saskatchewan, later moved to Ontario and Alberta, and am now permanently in Manitoba.

And now, I’m an honorary Newfoundlander. It’s not a job I take lightly. I hereby vow to honor the art of the kitchen party and will gladly explain the difference between a jig and a reel to anyone who will listen.

Challenge accepted.

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Thanks for reading my article on getting Screeched-in! I hope you have a great ceremony in Newfoundland. Looking for another quintessential Newfoundland experience? Check out my guide to where to see puffins in Newfoundland.

Any questions? Drop them in the comments below!