Norwegian National Day at Stavanger, Norway

Every nation has a national day but there is none celebrated like the 17th of May in Norway. All houses are decorated with Norwegian flags and it shows a unity among all Norwegians. Men and women of all ages dress in their national costumes. There are hundreds of different national costume, with colors and styles indicating where in Norway the owner's ancestry lies. Many of the national costumes are hand-made and treated with upmost regard and respect.

The history behind this day goes bay to 1814 when the Constitution of Norway was signed declaring Norway an independent kingdom. Since then 17th of May has been the official National Day of Norway. Among Norwegians, the day is referred to simply as Seventeenth May, The National Day, or The Constitution Day.

Children are a big part of this day. A morning parade and an afternoon performance event is organized just for children. I could see baked good decorated with Norwegian flags everywhere. Every city organizes a big parade in the city center. Everyone starts gathering in the centrum around 3pm eager to see the parade. Children have a very special role in the celebrations. Children join the parades, marching and waving home-made Norwegian flags, and carrying their school banners. Graduating high school students wear uniforms and celebrate the approaching school year’s end. People can be seen everywhere lined up on the side of the road to watch the parade.

Marching bands, parades, traditional costumes, cakes, and ice cream are a big part of the day. The celebration of the national day is a party like no other in Norway. The best way to greet on this day is by saying “Gratulerer med dagen!”, which literally means "Congratulations of the day".

Seventeenth of May is truly a very special time to be in Norway. I personally find Norwegians to be very nice and welcoming. The 17th of May because experiencing this day is like no other. You should definitely visit Norway on this day and join in with the locals to enjoy the day.