Norwegians will celebrate their National day on 17th of May – just differently

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

17th of May is Norway’s National Day when Norwegians celebrate the signing of the constitution in 1814. Ever since 1870 the day has been celebrated with children’s parades and marching band all over Norway, and social festivities including lots of singing, dancing, hot dogs, ice cream for families, and of course national costumes – bunads.

The only time 17th of May has not been celebrated was between 1940 to 1945.

In Oslo approx. 60,000 children from 115 schools usually participate and march up the main parade street Karl Johans gate to the Royal Palace where they are greeted by the Royal Family. Along the route more than 100,000 spectators line the streets.

Due to the current COVID19 situation this celebration will unfortunately not take place in its normal way. But there will still be celebrations – with safe precautions!

Throughout the day there will be pop-up concerts with marching bands and choral singing all over the city. To avoid too big crowds nobody will know where and when they will pop up. After a cannon salute from Akershus Fortress at 13.00 everybody in the city and the rest of Norway, will sing the national anthem “Ja, vi elsker dette landet” (“Yes, we love this country”), from balconies, streets, gardens and digitally.

In addition there will boat parades on the Oslofjord and veteran cars procession, and at 15.30 there will be held a gala concert at Oslo City Hall with student talents alongside guest artists, broadcasted on Oslo City’s website and on Facebook.

In some places there will be parades on skis, such as at Haukeliseter Resort. In Bergen the day will end with a gigantic firework. Tromsø will have a 2.5 km long veteran car procession, and in Kristiansand three boat parades will sail for three hours before ending up in the city center.

17th of May will still be celebrated for children and families in Oslo and all over the rest of Norway, but in a safe way.

Everybody in Norway is encouraged to celebrate at home, in gardens and digitally.

Norway is the place to experience the magical northern lights and the midnight sun above the Arctic Circle; visit the world-famous fjords surrounded by spectacular mountains and glaciers; and in the midst of stunning scenery, enjoy gourmet food and culture in the cities of Oslo, Trondheim, Stavanger, Bergen and Tromsø.

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