Constitution Day

Constitution Day is Norway’s national holiday, celebrated each year on 17 May. Across the country, people gather for parades, wear traditional costumes, and enjoy festive foods, marking the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814.

• Children’s parades with flags are central to the day
• Most people wear traditional bunad or festive clothes
• Hot dogs, waffles, and ice cream are popular treats
• The Oslo parade passes the Royal Palace with royal greetings
• Russ (graduating students) have their own parades and traditions

What it is

Constitution Day, known in Norway as Syttende mai, is the country’s national day and a celebration of its independence and democratic values. The heart of the festivities is the children’s parade, a joyful, non-military procession where schoolchildren march with flags and banners, often accompanied by marching bands. The day is filled with a sense of unity, pride, and tradition, as people of all ages take to the streets in their finest clothes or bunad, the national costume. For Norwegians, it is a time to honor their constitution, reflect on freedom, and celebrate community.

Where it comes from

The origins of Constitution Day trace back to 17 May 1814, when Norway’s constitution was signed at Eidsvoll, declaring the nation’s independence. Early celebrations began soon after, but were at times discouraged or banned during the union with Sweden, as authorities feared they signaled protest. Over time, the day grew in significance, especially after the first children’s parade in the 19th century and the dissolution of the union with Sweden in 1905. The day also took on deeper meaning after World War II, when public celebration and the Norwegian flag became symbols of freedom and national resilience.

How it is celebrated

Celebrations begin with parades in every town and city, led by children waving Norwegian flags and often dressed in bunad. Marching bands play, and the air is filled with singing, shouts of 'Hurra!', and the sounds of whistles and rattles. Adults and older children give speeches, and memorials are honored with wreaths and salutes. After the parades, families and friends gather for games and enjoy treats like hot dogs, waffles, ice cream, and sweets. In Oslo, the main children’s parade passes the Royal Palace, where the royal family greets the crowd. Graduating students, known as russ, have their own lively celebrations and parades later in the day. Each region and city adds its own local touches, from comic troupes in Bergen to fireworks in Kristiansand.

Joining in

Visitors can experience Constitution Day anywhere in Norway, but Oslo’s parade is the largest, drawing crowds to the city center and the Royal Palace. Expect streets filled with people in festive attire, music, and a welcoming atmosphere. While the day is centered on children, everyone is invited to join in the parades or follow along as a spectator. Traditional foods are widely available from street vendors, and the mood is one of openness and celebration. In smaller towns, the festivities are more intimate but just as heartfelt, offering a chance to see local traditions up close.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Constitution Day (Norway), whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Constitution Day (Norway) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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