A strange welcome in Canada

BBC:

I’d been picking up bits and pieces about this ‘screech-in’ ceremony, a welcome ritual of sorts that transforms an outsider into an honorary Newfoundlander. It’s not a compulsory ritual for visitors to the province, but if your host or friend thinks you might enjoy it, they will likely take you to one.

I only knew that there was a possibility of kissing a fish and a good chance I’d be downing shots of rum. I much preferred the latter.

As a proud Nova Scotianer, I feel no shame in saying, categorically, that Newfoundlanders are the nicest people in Canada. I was honoured to have been screeched-in many years ago in a bar in St John’s and highly recommend it to anyone who visits this lovely province.