The 17th of May is the Norwegian national day. After having been part of Denmark for hundreds of years, Norway finally broke free (only to be part of Sweden for some time but this is usually not mentioned because it ruins the story).
On 17th of May 1814 Norway got their own constitution, on top of getting rid of Denmark telling what to do. Instead, Norway entered in a not always so peaceful union with Sweden that lasted until 1905.
Nowadays the celebrations include more drinking and eating than politics.
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| The day begins with a very early breakfast (8am) |
People wake up early to prepare a breakfast with family or friends. The schedule is tight because at 11 there is a parade to be seen in the main plaza of the city.
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| Congratulations for the day! |
The breakfast typically includes champagne to begin the day's celebratory drinking.
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| The main parade |
After breakfast people hurry to the main plaza to get a good view for the main parade. The parade goes around the city and most of the city's institutions and organizations are present.
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| People dress in their bunad |
Norwegians love to dress for the occasion and most girls wear their traditional dress called bunad. All regions have their own bunad. Most men prefer the modern suit over the traditional clothes, maybe because the male version seems a bit peculiar. The traditional clothes also cost a lot and most of my friends told me they got theirs as a gift when they graduated or so.
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| Fireworks to end the day |
The city is filled with performances, concerts and lots of stands where people sell food and small celebratory items. Most sell pølser, cotton candy and beverages or squeaky toys for children.
If you got interested in the different bunad, NRK has a gallery of them here.
If you got interested in the different bunad, NRK has a gallery of them here.
