Festivals and celebrationsEurope
Constitution Day
In its own language: Syttende mai
A national public holiday in Norway marked by children's parades, flags, and traditional food.
Norwegians observe Constitution Day on 17 May to celebrate the signing of their constitution in 1814. The day features large community parades where people wear traditional costumes and eat festive foods like hot dogs and waffles.
When is Constitution Day kept?
Constitution Day is kept every year on 17 May.
Norwegians mark Constitution Day each spring to honor their national independence. The holiday commemorates the 1814 signing of the constitution at Eidsvoll. Families and communities gather for parades featuring traditional dress and music. Children lead processions through towns while adults watch and participate in local festivities.
Origins and history
The Norwegian constitution was signed on 17 May 1814 at Eidsvoll. This document established Norway as an independent kingdom following defeat in the Napoleonic Wars. Although a union with Sweden followed shortly after, the date became a symbol of national identity. Early celebrations were led by students and faced opposition from Swedish kings who viewed them as political protests. Public addresses began in 1833, and children's parades started in Christiania in 1864. Girls were permitted to join these parades in 1899. During World War II, Nazi occupation banned all celebrations. After liberation in 1945, the day gained renewed significance as a marker of freedom.
How it is kept
The central feature of the day is the children's parade. Elementary schools organize processions that move through neighborhoods, often stopping at nursing homes or war memorials. Participants carry flags and banners while marching bands play. In Oslo, the largest parade passes the Royal Palace, where the royal family greets crowds from the balcony. Adults also join in citizens' parades led by scouts and choirs. Many people wear bunad, the traditional national costume. Red, white, and blue ribbons are common accessories. The day concludes with singing the national anthem and the royal anthem.
Food and drink
Festive eating is a key part of the celebration. Hot dogs are widely consumed during the parades. Waffles served with cream and ice cream are popular treats for children and adults. Vendors sell sweets and soda along the parade routes. In some regions, kebabs have become a modern addition to the street food options. Norwegian diaspora communities abroad sometimes prepare lutefisk or lefse. These foods provide comfort and joy during the outdoor spring events.
Celebrations abroad
Norwegian immigrants maintain the tradition in countries like the United States and Canada. Sons of Norway lodges often organize local festivities. Major celebrations occur in Stoughton, Wisconsin, and Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. These events include parades, canoe racing, and ethnic dance performances. Other communities in Minnesota, Iowa, and Washington state hold festivals with concerts and banquets. In the United Kingdom, London and Cardiff host parades and church services. These gatherings help preserve cultural heritage and connect diaspora families to their roots.
How Constitution Day is kept
Children lead parades through streets carrying flags and banners. Marching bands accompany the processions. People wear traditional bunad costumes. Communities gather to sing anthems and eat snacks. Adults join separate citizens' parades later in the day.
When and where
The holiday falls annually on 17 May. It marks the anniversary of the 1814 constitutional signing. The date is fixed on the calendar every year.
The tradition is strongest in Norway, especially in Oslo. Parades occur in towns and villages across the country. Significant celebrations also exist in US cities with Norwegian heritage.
What Constitution Day means
The day represents national unity and democratic values. The flag symbolizes freedom and independence. The ban during WWII makes the celebration a testament to resilience. Children's participation emphasizes hope for the future.
On the table
- hot dogs
- waffles
- ice cream
- lutefisk
- lefse
Questions people ask about Constitution Day
When is Constitution Day kept?
Constitution Day is kept every year on 17 May.
What is Constitution Day?
It is Norway's national day, observed on 17 May. It celebrates the signing of the constitution in 1814. Norwegians call it Syttende mai. It is a public holiday marked by parades and festivities.
What do people wear?
Many people wear bunad, the traditional Norwegian costume. Others wear red, white, and blue ribbons. The colors match the national flag. Traditional dress is common in parades.
What is eaten on this day?
Hot dogs are a staple food. Waffles with cream and ice cream are also popular. Sweets and soda are sold at events. Some diaspora communities eat lutefisk or lefse.
See also
ChristmasA festival of Jesus's birth, kept on 25 December with gifts, lights and shared meals
HalloweenAn annual observance on 31 October marking the eve of All Saints' Day, rooted in Christian tradition and Celtic heritage
Valentine's DayA Christian feast day and cultural celebration of love kept on February 14 in many countries.
Christmas treeA decorated evergreen or artificial tree placed indoors to mark the Christmas season.Good reading and sources
- Constitution Day (Norway) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Constitution Day (Norway)", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryParampara rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-04.
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