The Norwegian Constitution Day celebration, otherwise known as the 17th of May (Syttende Mai), is the most important holiday in the Norwegian culture. Therefore, when planning our trip to Norway, we wanted to make sure that we were there during this important day in order to partake in and experience this one of a kind celebration. The Constitution Day celebration marks the day Norway became independent from Denmark during the Napoleonic Wars. It is celebrated throughout Norway with children’s parades, marching bands, traditional costumes, and lots of ice cream!

Norwegian Constitution Day – Syttende Mai

History

The Constitution Day Celebration is also known as:

• Syttende Mai (Seventeenth of May)
• Nasjonaldagen (The National Day)
• Grunnlovsdagen (The Constitution Day)

This national holiday celebrates the Constitution of Norway being unanimously passed and signed by the Eidsvoll Assembly on May 17, 1814. The Constitution of Norway declared Norway as an independent nation at the end of the Napoleonic War. This was an attempt to avoid being ceded to Sweden after Denmark-Norway’s devastating defeat. Sweden and Norway developed a union after the defeat and King Carl Johan of Sweden forbade celebrating the day. After King Carl Johan died in 1844, Norwegians started celebrating the day freely. In 1905, Norway dissolved its union with Sweden and choose the first king of independent Norway.

What to Expect

Each town holds its own celebrations. The celebrations can range from close to 100,000 people in Olso to a much smaller fanfare in the small remote Norwegian cities. We choose to celebrate in Bergen and it was a wonderful introduction to this beautiful and patriotic holiday.

No matter where you celebrate, you will find the city decorated in the vibrant colors of the Norwegian flag – red, blue and white. This is the only day of the year where the streets will be packed with women, men, and children wearing the traditional bunad dress/outfits. The Norwegian flags will be displayed, worn, and waved by all in attendance at the various celebrations and there will be long non-military parades with marching bands and various children’s groups. Children love this holiday as it is custom to allow children, including visitors, to consume as much ice cream (is krem) and hot dogs (pølse i brød) as they see fit and adults will often partake in drinking champagne, beer, and Aperol spritzes throughout the day.

Tip#1: Almost all stores, including alcohol stores, will be closed on this day so plan ahead! Restaurants downtown will be open but often will require reservations.

Tip#2: Take advantage of public transport as the majority of the downtown areas near the celebrations will be closed or restricted to vehicles and parking will be limited. Additionally, drinking and driving are strictly prohibited in Norway, so enjoy the party and take public transport home.

Bunads

The most memorable part of the Norwegian Constitution Day celebration is the multitude of bunads or ceremonial clothes worn by the locals. There are hundreds of different colors and styles of bunads. Each tartan pattern, design, and color designates the region or province of the country the ceremonial clothes originated from.  The bunads are inspired by folk costumes from the 18th and 19th century and are often handed down through the family. Most bunads are made from natural materials with embroidered woolen skirts, linen shirts, silk stockings, and brocade vests that can be accented with traditional silver brooches and jewelry.

What Visitors Should Wear

Typically when visiting a country it is advised to dress like the locals; however, on the 17th of May, this can be difficult as bunads are often handed down through families. Those in the market to purchase one can often spend over $10,000 (not including jewelry); therefore, dressing in professional or Sunday wear is considered completely acceptable for visitors or those without a traditional ceremonial outfit.

Men- A full suit or dress pants with a vest, button-down shirt and tie are considered acceptable.

Women -A dress, long skirt or professional suit is considered acceptable.

Children – Slacks with a button-down/polo shirt, dress or a cute skirt are considered acceptable. Make sure they are comfortable though as the celebration will go on for several hours.

Tip #3:  Avoid jeans, shorts, tank tops, flip flops, short skirts, or other casual wear as this would be seen as disrespectful.

Tip #4: Carry a flag or add a ceremonial Norwegian ribbon/pin to your outfit and you will be set!

Norwegian Constitution Day: Traditions 

Russ

The Russ celebration involves graduating seniors and it concludes on the Norwegian Constitution Day. The seniors typically start celebrating with drinking, partying, and the intent to create general mischief about a month beforehand. Throughout the month the students can be found walking on the streets wearing various color jumpsuits adorned with Norwegian flags and other emblems.

Students wearing red jumpsuits are geared towards higher education (this is the most common color). The blue jumpsuits indicate students going into business such as economics and management. White jumpsuits indicated students going into the medical and social studies fields. Black jumpsuits are for students entering into the engineering field. Green jumpsuits are for students going into the agricultural field.

Tip #5: The students distribute russekorts, which are akin to baseball cards that have pictures, personal information, and funny quotes. It has become a tradition for children and visitors alike to collect the russekorts. Don’t be shy! Make sure to ask the students for their russekorts!

Gratulerer Med Dagen!

When greeting people throughout the Norwegian Constitution Day celebrations, you will notice that the locals will say “Gratulerer med dagen!”, which literally means “Congratulations of the day”. This is a common way to address others and congratulate them on the day’s celebration.

Tip #6: Although most Norwegian’s speak English, it is polite to learn common phrases so as to easily introduce yourself. Learning simple phrases such as hello (hallo), my name is (Mitt navn er), nice to meet you (Hyggelig å møte deg), do you speak English (Snakker du Engelsk?), will go a long way in endearing yourself to the locals.

Family, Friends, and Food

The Norwegian Constitution Day celebrations downtown are typically preceded by a morning breakfast with family and followed by dinner with family, friends, and neighbors. Common foods found at these events include salmon, open-faced sandwiches (smørbrød), cake (bløtkake), champagne, and various other Norwegian dishes such as Norwegian meatballs in brown sauce, lapskaus, and fiskeboller in white sauce.

For additional information on the 17th of May Norwegian Constitution Day celebrations, check out Visit Norway.

For information on our trip to Norway or for information on other trips we’ve personally taken with our daughter both within the United States, as well as, abroad check-out the various travel blogs located under our Family Travel page.