Norwegian Constitution Day
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- 1814Constitution signed at Eidsvoll
- 1905Independence from Sweden
- YearlyChildren's parades on 17 May
Why Norway celebrates 17 May
On 17 May 1814, Norway's founding fathers gathered at Eidsvoll and signed the constitution — one of the most liberal in the world at the time. The date marks the birth of Norway as a modern independent state, even though full independence from Sweden did not come until 1905.
The day quickly became the most important national celebration in Norway. Children's parades — Barnetoget — were established in the 1800s and are now the defining feature of the day. Thousands of school children march through every Norwegian town and city, led by school bands, waving flags and wearing their best clothes.
In Oslo, the parade passes the Royal Palace, where the royal family appears on the balcony to greet the crowds for hours. It is a rare occasion where the celebration belongs entirely to children and ordinary citizens rather than military displays.
Across Norway, the day follows a shared rhythm: bunad (national costume), flags, school breakfasts, parades, ice cream, hot dogs and family gatherings. The celebration is local and personal — every town does it slightly differently, but the spirit is the same everywhere.
- 202617 May 2026 · Sunday
- 202717 May 2027 · Monday
- 202817 May 2028 · Wednesday
The Norwegian flag has a red field with a blue Nordic cross outlined in white. The design has been in use since 1821 and reflects Norway's ties with the other Nordic countries. On 17 May the flag is carried by almost every person in the parade and flies from homes, shops and public buildings across the country.
17 May falls in late spring, and the food reflects a day spent mostly outside. Meals are quick, portable and easy to share between parade stops.
What to eat
Ice creamNorwegians eat more ice cream on 17 May than any other day of the year.
Hot dogsPølse — grilled sausages at outdoor stands along every parade route.
WafflesHeart-shaped vafler with sour cream and jam at schools and family tables.
Cream cakeBløtkake decorated in red, white and blue cream layers.
StrawberriesEarly Norwegian strawberries appear at cafés and market stalls.
BunsSkoleboller and bakery buns are a staple at children's breakfasts.What to drink
JuiceFruit juice for children — apple and orange are standard at school breakfasts.
CoffeeCoffee with cake for adults at family gatherings after the parade.
Beer or ciderFor adults celebrating at outdoor tables in the afternoon.Norwegian Constitution Day traditions
17 May is Norway's most visible public celebration. The streets fill with flags, school bands and people in national costume — it is one of the few days where the whole country participates at once.
Children's paradeBarnetoget — children march through city centres; in Oslo past the Royal Palace.
BunadThousands wear regional Norwegian national costume on this day.
Flags everywhereNorwegian flags carried, worn and displayed from homes and public buildings.
Royal appearanceThe royal family greets the parade from the palace balcony in Oslo.