May 17 - Norway's National Day

On May 17, Norwegians celebrate the signing of the 1814 Constitution. In Norway, Constitution Day is a mega-event.

Many countries celebrate their national holiday with a military parade. In Norway, May 17th is simply a party for everyone, especially children. Before taking to the streets to celebrate, many Norwegians enjoy a hearty breakfast. Often together with family, friends, and neighbors, all of whom bring something to eat: freshly baked bread, scrambled eggs, smoked salmon—and champagne for the adults.

Afterwards, children's parades take place throughout the country, led by marching bands. The largest parades attract tens of thousands of people waving flags and shouting "Hurrah!" In Oslo, countless happy people mill about on the main street, Karl Johan, enjoying the grand parade. Meanwhile, the royal family tirelessly waves to the crowds passing by in front of the balcony of the Royal Palace.

The day is celebrated throughout the country. A regional specialty in the Hanseatic city of Bergen are the Buekorps—traditional neighborhood groups of marching drummers.

Although the day is patriotic, the atmosphere is very open and joyful – visitors are welcome! On the day of all days, people devour huge amounts of ice cream and hot dogs, listen to speeches and music, and participate in games at local schools.

History:
The Norwegian Constitution was unanimously adopted by the assembly in Eidsvoll on 16 May 1814 and signed the next day.
The celebrations began spontaneously and were attended primarily by students. However, at that time, Norway and Sweden were in union. Due to a ban by King Karl Johan of Sweden, there were no celebrations between 1820 and 1829.
The first public speech was given by the Norwegian poet Henrik Wergeland in 1833 and since then May 17 has been celebrated as Norway's national holiday.
From 1870 onwards, the day became established with the first children's parade in Christiania (now Oslo), an initiative of the author Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, who is also the author of the national anthem "Ja, vi elsker dette liegt".