Norway’s Constitution Day is quite a party!
Published by: Visit Norway
Brazil has its carnival, and Ireland has Saint Patrick’s Day. But what does Norway have? On the 17th of May, we celebrate the signing of the Constitution in 1814. In Norway, Constitution Day is huge.
While many countries celebrate their national day with a military parade, Norway’s 17th of May is a party for everyone, especially children. Before heading out to the parades and festivities, many like to get together to share a huge breakfast – often a potluck with friends, family, and neighbors – with freshly baked bread, scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and (for the grown-ups) some bubbly.
Parades and ice cream
Children’s parades occur across the country, as marching bands lead processions through local communities. The biggest parades attract tens of thousands of people, who wave flags and shout “hooray”! In Oslo, Karl Johan, the high street, is filled with happy people watching the big parade. The royal family waves tirelessly to the crowds passing from the balcony of the Royal Palace.
The day is celebrated all over the country. A unique feature in Bergen is the city’s traditional Buekorps – traditional neighborhood groups of marching drummers.
Although the day is patriotic, it has a very inclusive and joyous atmosphere – visitors are welcomed warmly! The focus is primarily on eating huge amounts of ice cream and hot dogs, listening to speeches and music, and playing games at local schools.
The bunad – Norway’s traditional costume
The day is also an opportunity to show off one’s bunad, Norway’s traditional costume worn by both men and women. Like a Scottish kilt, there are many variations, with colors and styles indicating where in Norway the owner’s ancestry lies.
You will never see more people wearing traditional costumes than on the 17th of May!
Ask for a russekort!
You can also spot teenagers in red, blue, black, and green jumpsuits. These are members of the graduating class who are in their final year of upper secondary school, called Russ. Many of them look tired on the 17h of May, not so much from studying for their exams as partying with their peers