Gone are the days when live carp were crowded in a tub at every supermarket. Retail chains have abandoned this traditional sale. The reason is ethical issues and public pressure. Carp, as a symbol of Slovak Christmas, thus becomes a delicacy that is more difficult to find. Where to get it and why does the tradition change?

A tradition that is disappearing from the streets

Do you still remember the days when you carried a live carp home from the store in a bag full of water? Such an image was part of Christmas for many Slovak families. Today, however, you will look for such an experience in vain. Retail chains such as Tesco, Lidl, Billa and Terno stopped selling live carp. However, this step did not just happen – there are deeper reasons behind everything.

The petition that changed the game

One of the key factors why the sale of live fish became a thing of the past was the initiative of the Kaprie peklo civic association. His petition, which drew attention to the inhumane conditions and stress to which the fish are subjected, received massive support – more than 20,000 signatures. “Carp in buckets or bags do not belong at Christmas,” say the activists. Much of the public seems to agree with them.

Slovaks say clearly: Not with live carp

A survey by the Focus agency from 2021 revealed that up to two-thirds of Slovaks do not support the sale of live carp. Reasons? In addition to ethical issues, there is also pressure to protect the environment. Transport and storage of live fish are difficult and have a negative impact on the quality of the water and the animals themselves.

Poll: What do people think about the ban on the sale of live carp?

Mária (45), teacher:
“I think it’s the right decision. Carp is part of the tradition, but the way the fish were treated when sold was often inhumane. We’ve been buying fillets for several years now and it doesn’t bother us at all.”

Jozef (37), IT specialist:
“I am in favor of stopping the sale of live carp. Ethical issues are important to me, and in addition, the quality of farmed fish tends to be better. I appreciated the opportunity to buy carp directly from local breeders.”

Milan (52), locksmith:
“I don’t agree that they have disappeared from the stores. Selling live carp was part of Christmas, such a decision will destroy the tradition. If we know how to breed and sell other animals, why should it be any different with carp?”

Where else can you get carp?

If you are one of those who cannot imagine Christmas without carp at Christmas dinner, you still have an option. Several agricultural farms throughout Slovakia offer the sale of carp and other types of fish. The advantage is that the fish come from controlled farms and are often caught right in front of you. You can find such farms, for example, around Nitra, Žilina, but also in eastern Slovakia.

What will replace live carp?

For many, carp is more than just a fish – it is a symbol of tradition. But more and more families are reaching for alternatives such as fillets, salmon or plant-based alternatives. Stores have adapted and offer both frozen and fresh products that will meet even the most demanding requirements for the Christmas dinner table.

With or without carp, Christmas remains about traditions, family and coziness. Even if this fish is becoming a rarity, perhaps this is an opportunity for a new chapter in Christmas traditions. One thing is certain – debates about live carp will probably not stop just like that. And what about you? Will your Christmas table be the kingdom of carp again this year?

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