The Norwegian national day 17 May is well known for its children parades and the number of people in folk costumes. The national day celebrates the signing of the first Norwegian constitution in 1814. The constitution was a tool to keep Norway independent instead of becoming a part of Sweden after the napoleonic war.
Children Parade – the high light of 17 May
The 17 May is definitely one of the most popular and non-military national day in the world. A big part of the celebration is to visit and see children parades. The children parade have its roots in 1820 but become popular first in the 1860:s. After the liberation of Norway at 9 May 1945 the 17 May also become a day to celebrate the nations independence.
Bunads
What did surprise me was not only the large amount of people (up to 100 000) celebrating it in Oslo. But also how calm and respectful the celebration was. Every where I walked I did see people in the folk costumes named bunad. A bunad can take up to a year to make and is usually only used on special occasions like the 17 May. A bunad is always seen as a very respectful and representative dress. It connects the old farming society with the modern Norway. The 450 different bunads shows from witch part of Norway you come from.
Akershus fortress
Another quite common way to celebrate the 17 may is to walk up to Akershus fortress. Both to hear the national day concert at half past three or to have a picnic the green. When I made a stroll in the area I was surprised about how many people who visited the fortress. Making it more to an open park then a military fort and officer school. Once again I see this as a proof of the Norwegians peaceful mindset.
Hit the street party of 17 May
I decided to make a last stroll before I went back to the airport. The streets in general and specially Karl Johan was super crowded. But even if I did see some drunk students I never noticed anyone who was disturbing. Al the city had a nice atmosphere of joy and happiness.
Conclusion
The 17 May is just the right day to visit Oslo and Norway. Their National day celebration transforms the city to an open air festival with children in the center. Even if its crowded it never feels unsafe and the people around you are just having a good day out. Scandinavian countries are in general bad on celebrating their national days. But17 May in Norway are an exception. If you want to see a day where the nation says the children are our future and pride then this is where you should go.
You can easy get here by taking a flight to Gardermoen Airport about 48 km outside of Oslo. From the airport you can choose to take ever a bus or train in to the city center. The price is more or less the same but the train makes it at half the time or less. On the other hand the bus will show you more of Oslo.
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