Faroe Islands’ last fishwives keep tradition alive in Hovi village

The sisters Judith Hammer and Kristianna Joensen are the last remaining fishwives in Hovi, preserving a once-widespread tradition in Faroese coastal communities, reports Kringvarp Føroya.

For generations, fish processing—particularly salted fish production—was a seasonal mainstay in villages across the Faroe Islands, even in areas no longer associated with fishing today. In Hovi, salted fish was traditionally prepared each summer, but the practice has now dwindled to just two women carrying on the work.

Tórður Mikkelsen spoke with the sisters, who represent the final link to this local heritage.