Norway's National Day commemorates the signing of the Constitution of Norway at Eidsvoll on the 17th of May 1814, which recognized Norway as an independent country. Although it still did have the same head of state as Sweden, thus making it part of a personal union of the two countries. Norway did not achieve full independence until October 26th 1905.
The festivities reflect this holiday's symbolic stance as a celebration of the people of Norway, and thus they can be quite varried.
The most noteworthy is the Children's Parade in Oslo (Norway's capital) which have kids of all ages waving flags and playing instruments, and which ends at the Royal Palace, where the procession is greeted by the royal family. Another similar celebration is that of highschool seniors (or russ).
The observances are not limited to Norway alone, as expats and people of Norwegian descent from around the world also partake, in places like Southwark Park in London, Stoughton in Wisconsin and Petersburg, Alaska.
The festivities reflect this holiday's symbolic stance as a celebration of the people of Norway, and thus they can be quite varried.
The most noteworthy is the Children's Parade in Oslo (Norway's capital) which have kids of all ages waving flags and playing instruments, and which ends at the Royal Palace, where the procession is greeted by the royal family. Another similar celebration is that of highschool seniors (or russ).
The observances are not limited to Norway alone, as expats and people of Norwegian descent from around the world also partake, in places like Southwark Park in London, Stoughton in Wisconsin and Petersburg, Alaska.