Norway's Constitution Day 17th of May - Syttende Mai The 17th of May, Norwegian Constitution Day, is mainly the children’s day. Throughout the country children are parading to celebrate that Norway is an independent country. In contrast to many other countries that celebrate their constitution with military parades, the people of Norway have chosen to show their pride and hope for the future through their children.  Schoolchildren in the whole country are parading on the morning of the 17th of May, regardless of weather conditions, with the Norwegian flag in their hands. They walk behind colorful banners that represent either their school or their class. The 17th of May has always been celebrated this way, except during the second world war when nationalistic activities were forbidden by the Germans. In the major cities it is not unusual for the children's parade to be divided into several parades since there are so many participants.
In front of the parade you will find many large Norwegian flags, usually carried by scouts or older students. Most of the schools have their own school orchestra, playing great music in the parade. The children walk behind their school banners, shouting "Hurrah for the 17th of May", blowing horns and singing national songs.
Many of the children and spectators are wearing their national costume - the bunad. Hulda Garborg (wife of the well-known Norwegian author Arne Garborg) was one of the first to start preserving ancient Norwegian costume traditions. At the end of the 19th century, she wanted to design gowns that folk-dancers could use for performances. Previously, it was very important for the bunads to contain patterns and a background found in the area it was to represent. Today, however, creative reconstruction is accepted to a greater extent, and the system of "approval" is abolished. Norway now has national costumes and bunads from all over the country. They all have different designs to show which part of the country the owner is from. Everyone that owns a bunad wears their costume on the 17th of May.
Norway in a Nutshell
Traveling in Norway in late May is a wonderful experience. Trees are in bloom and the country comes alive. So why not combine a visit to Norway to celebrate the 17th of May with the famous Norway in a Nutshell itinerary? Experience the splendor of Norway’s fjords, the beauty of its pristine mountains and the enjoy a train ride known by many as the world’s most spectacular - the Flåm Railway. This itinerary can start or end in either Oslo or Bergen.
The Norwegian Coastal Voyage
There is no better time than the month of May for visiting 34 colorful ports as the popular Coastal Express navigates Norway’s spectacular west coast from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. This 6 or 7-day one-way or 12-day round trip cruise on The World's Most Beautiful Voyage is an awe-inspiring spectacle of nature at close quarters. Discover sheltered, charming fishing villages under the Midnight Sun in the summer, and the spectacular night skies with dancing veils of Northern Lights in the winter. In towns like Bergen, Trondheim, and Tromsø, you will find art and culture, tourist attractions, and shopping to satisfy your every need.
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