Norway Holidays: Constitution Day

Held every May in Norway, one of the country’s largest celebrations is held known as Constitution Day. During this national holiday, you will see Norwegians taking the streets in traditional folk costumes, as they commemorate the signing of the Constitution at Eidsvoll in 1814. Throughout the country, you will see the various cities and towns pouring heart and soul into this one festival.

Children’s parades are a big part of the celebration where flags are flown. The elementary schools usually create their own special parade, which is led by that school’s marching band. Then, other children from the community will join the parade, as they make their way to the homes of seniors, war heroes, and others. Along with the abundance of flags, the people carry white, red, and blue ribbons. To follow the country’s tradition, the men, women, and children will wear Bunad, which are the traditional consumes.

In addition to the elementary schools having a celebration, the high school will then organize its own, which is called Russ. For this, the students will remain awake all night as they make their way through the various communities. In the city of Oslo, the children from the school make an effort to parade past the Royal Palace. As they go past, the royal family will greet the children with waves.

Although there are a number of celebrations for Constitution Day, the one in Kuba is definitely unique. In this particular city, you will not see as much tradition as lute fish and bunad but instead, more modern activities to include rock and roll. For this celebration, the anti-racist movements arrange and promote the activity in an effort to remind people that this day is for people of white and of black skin.

Then it you head to Asker, you will find the Constitution Day involving children that gather outside Crown Prince’s residence at the Skaugum Estate. As they all arrive at the estate in the morning, which provides the royal family time to get ready for the Oslo celebration later that day, they put on shows with comic troupes, singing, local organizations, and more.

For the most part, the Constitution Day celebration is about patriotic pride where music and flags are the primary focus. Street vendors serve everyone’s favorite of ice cream, kebabs, and hot dogs. Although the children of the cities are the center of the celebration, people of all ages come to enjoy the festivities, all dressed in traditional costumes. As you take in all the sites and color of this magnificent and meaningful event, you will walk away feeling the pride of the Norwegian people.


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

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