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Norway’s national day dates back to 1814 when the country signed its constitution on 17th May, paving the way for its eventual independence. Initially, the day was a solemn event marked by political speeches, but over time, it has transformed into a vibrant, inclusive celebration. Norwegian Constitution Day is the biggest national celebration in Norway. Here's what to expect in Norway on May 17. The constitution declared Norway to be an independent kingdom in an attempt to avoid being ceded to Sweden after Denmark–Norway 's devastating defeat in the Napoleonic Wars. This established a Union between Sweden and Norway. The celebration of this day began spontaneously among students and others from early on. Introduction Known locally as “Syttende mai” or “Nasjonaldagen”, Norwegian Constitution Day is a vibrant celebration held annually on May 17. The day commemorates the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in Eidsvoll on May 17, 1814, which marked Norway’s independence from Denmark. Constitution Day isn’t the same as Norway’s Independence Day Norway has, then, two important national days: Union Dissolution Day and Independence Day. Union Dissolution Day is celebrated as the Norway Independence Day. Though not a public holiday, it’s observed on June 7, and flags are also flown across the county for the occasion. The 17th of May, often referred to as Nasjonaldagen or Syttende Mai, is a national holiday in Norway, marking the anniversary of the country’s constitution, which was signed in 1814. This day, known as syttende mai in Norwegian, marks Norway's Constitution Day, a celebration deeply rooted in the country's history and cherished by its people. A key moment in Norwegian history, the constitution was inspired by the US Declaration of Independence and the French revolution, and the subsequent constitutions. This decision was very unpopular in Norway, so independence was declared and a constitution made: on May 17 Norway also celebrates independence. By historical coincidence, World War II ended in Norway nine days before Constitution Day on 8 May 1945, when the occupying German forces surrendered. Every year on May 17, Norwegians across the world celebrate Norwegian Constitution Day. Many people believe the day honors Norwegian independence, but the day actually commemorates the Norwegian Constitution, which is the oldest single-document national constitution in Europe in use today. Known Union Dissolution day is celebrated as the Norway Independence Day. Though not a public holiday, it’s observed on June 7, and flags are also flown across the county for the occasion. Norway Constitution Day, which is a public holiday, is observed each year on May 17 and includes celebrations galore. 17 Mai Norway is a big day for Norwegians. It is their Constitution Day. It celebrates when Norway got its own constitution on May 17, 1814. This was a major step towards independence and democracy. Norwegian Independence Day ended Norwegian rule under Denmark. It began a new chapter for Norway. 17 May is Norway’s national day. Norway’s celebration is lighthearted and fun, with a special focus on kids enjoying this special day. In this article, we’ll tell you all about Norway’s Constitution Day, how it began, and how it’s celebrated across Norway today. Norway’s Independence Day is celebrated every year on May 17th. Learn more about the joyous festivities that take place across the country. On the 17th of May, we celebrate the signing of the constitution in 1814. In Norway, Constitution Day is huge – all over the country. While many countries celebrate their national day with a military parade, Norway’s 17th of May is a party for everyone, especially children. May 17th is Norway’s National Day, celebrating the signing of the country’s constitution in 1814. Known as Nasjonaldagen or Grunnlovsdagen, it’s a day of parades, festivities, and traditional food. A noteworthy aspect of Norwegian Constitution Day is it’s very non-military nature. All over Norway, children parade with an abundance of flags. Each elementary school district arranges its own parade with marching bands between schools. The parade takes the children through the community, often making stops at homes of senior citizens, war memorials, etc. The longest parade is in Oslo On May 17 (Syttende Mai), Norway celebrates its independence. It is also called Constitution Day. Learn about how they celebrate this holiday. So Sweden now has a national day, though many Swedes still call it flag day. As Syttende mai commemorates the signing of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814, Norway early settled on the straightforward name of Grunnlovsdagen. That’s the official name of the day that now appears on calendars and in descriptions of it. Tomorrow, May 17, 2025, marks Norway National Day, a vibrant celebration of the country’s independence and cultural heritage, also known as Constitution Day or “Syttende Mai” (Seventeenth of May). Every nation has a national day but probably very few of them are so enthusiastically and uniquely celebrated like May 17th.
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