The choice of symbol originates from the similarity between the Latin root of chalice, calix, mug (itself borrowed from Greek kalyx, κάλυξ, shell, husk) and the local Sami pronunciation of Gáláseatnu, an ancient name for the Kalix River.

Blocs This lists the relative strength of the socialist and centre-right blocs since 1973, but parties not elected to the Riksdag are inserted as "other", including the Sweden Democrats results from 1988 to 2006, but also the Christian Democrats pre-1991 and the Greens in 1982, 1985 and 1991.

It is not mutually intelligible with Standard Swedish, by which it has been largely replaced as the main language of the municipality.

Kalix BF plays in the top tier of Swedish bandy, Elitserien.

The municipality has two other bandy clubs, Karlsborgs BK and Nyborgs SK.