Norway’s May 17 celebration is our biggest, loudest, most cheerful day of the year. We call it Grunnlovsdagen, Constitution Day, and it is very different from many national days you may know. There are no military tanks rolling down the street here. The heart of the day belongs to children’s parades, brass bands, and an unapologetic amount of ice cream. Streets fill with flags, traditional clothing, and neighbors congratulating each other with a simple “Gratulerer med dagen.”
If you are wondering what actually happens on May 17 in Norway, the answer is: an early start, children’s parades in almost every town, speeches and songs, family breakfasts, endless waffles and hot dogs, and a full day of very public, very friendly celebration. Shops are closed, public transport runs on a holiday schedule, and locals dress up far more formally than you might expect. Visitors are absolutely welcome to join in, clap along, and wave flags.
Let’s take a closer look at what to expect, what to wear, how to be respectful, and the small details that make the day feel uniquely Norwegian.
What May 17 Actually Commemorates
May 17 marks the signing of the Norwegian Constitution at Eidsvoll in 1814. That document is the backbone of our national identity and a symbol of independence and democracy. The mood of the day is civic pride with a soft edge. It is patriotic, yes, but expressed through children, community, and culture. You will hear school bands practicing weeks in advance, see bunad bunad-wearers taking their shoes to the cobbler, and notice flags appearing on balconies as the day approaches.
The Atmosphere: Joyful, Orderly, And Open To All
From dawn, city centers fill with families and students. In Oslo, people crowd around Karl Johans gate to watch the main schools parade past the Royal Palace, where the Royal Family waves from the balcony. In smaller towns, the parade will circle the center, stopping at monuments or nursing homes for short speeches and songs. There is a warm politeness to it all. Strangers step aside for prams, teenagers help younger kids gather fallen ribbons, and everyone claps for the marching bands, even when a drummer loses the beat.
Tourists are welcome. No ticket, no reservation, no problem. Stand on the sidewalk, wave a small flag, and celebrate with us.
The Children’s Parades: The Heart Of The Day
If you remember one thing, make it this: May 17 is the children’s day. Each school marches with banners at the front, followed by students grouped by class and a band somewhere near the middle. Teachers and parent volunteers keep everyone in line, while grandparents and neighbors cheer. At the very front in many towns you will see the honor guard carrying the Norwegian flag. When the flag passes, we stop moving and stand respectfully. It is a quiet, simple gesture that matters.
In Oslo, the parade is huge and almost constant through the morning. In Bergen, the processions weave through the old streets and feel close and musical. In tiny communities, a shorter parade still draws the whole population outside. If you prefer less crowding, seek out a neighborhood school parade rather than the biggest city center routes.
What To Wear: From Bunad To Blazer
You will see many Norwegians in bunad, our region-specific national dress. These are heirloom garments, often tailored and passed down. If you do not own one, do not worry. Visitors typically wear smart clothes: a dress or skirt, a suit or blazer, nice shoes, maybe a tie. Think “wedding guest” rather than “summer festival.” Jeans are not taboo, but you will feel more comfortable if you lean formal.
A tip from years of soggy parades: bring a compact umbrella and a warm layer even if the forecast is kind. May weather can swing from sunshine to drizzle in an hour, especially along the coast.
Food Traditions: Breakfasts, Waffles, And As Many Ice Creams As You Want
A classic 17th of May starts with a long breakfast at home or with friends. There will be fresh bread, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, sour cream, chives, and perhaps a celebratory glass of bubbly. After the parades, people wander between school yards and parks where there are games for kids, raffles, and simple foods. Expect hot dogs with potato flatbread, waffles with jam and sour cream, and coffee everywhere.
You will hear the joking rule that children can eat “så mange is du vil” which means “as many ice creams as you want.” Many adults quietly adopt the same rule.
Where To Celebrate: Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø, And Beyond
In Oslo, the procession up Karl Johans to the Palace is the iconic scene. Get there early to secure a view along the street or near the Palace grounds. After the parade, the city’s many parks fill with picnics. Frogner Park and Slottsparken are especially lively.
Bergen has a musical soul, with multiple parades and a sea of banners flowing through Bryggen and the city center. The mountains frame everything, and the mix of students, families, and brass bands is electric.
Farther north in Tromsø, the light is special and the atmosphere relaxed. The parade feels close-knit, and with snow still on the peaks, the contrast of bunad against Arctic scenery is striking.
Smaller towns are equally rewarding. The scale is intimate and locals will chat with you while waiting for the band to pass. If you want to feel the neighborhood spirit, choose a small place.
Etiquette And Small Gestures That Go A Long Way
Norwegians value the quiet signals of respect on May 17. Keep a few things in mind.
First, stand still for flags when they pass in parade. Second, if the national anthem or a school song begins, lower your voice and listen even if you do not know the words. Third, wave a small flag rather than a giant one on a pole, which can block views. Finally, be patient. It is a long day for little legs and band musicians carrying heavy instruments.
Public drinking rules still apply. You can enjoy a beer or wine on restaurant terraces, but open containers in the street are not permitted. Save the stronger celebrations for private gatherings.
Plan For Closures And Transport
May 17 is a public holiday. Most stores are closed. Cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in city centers are usually open and busy, but you will not be shopping for new shoes midday. Public transport runs on a Sunday or holiday schedule and some routes are diverted for parades. If you are flying or taking a long-distance train, plan extra time to move through parade crowds. Taxis are in high demand after the parades and later in the evening.
The Russ: Red Pants, Blue Pants, And Plenty Of Noise
You will notice groups of teenagers in colorful overalls with whistles and decorated caps. These are the russ, graduating high schoolers celebrating the end of 13 years of school. They are loud, they dance, they trade handmade cards with younger kids, and they are part of the landscape of May in Norway. During the daytime parades, they usually keep it cheerful and respectful. If you are traveling with children, russ cards are a fun souvenir to collect.
How To Join In As A Visitor
If you want to participate beyond simply watching, here are natural entry points. Attend a community breakfast if invited by a hotel or local friend. Follow a neighborhood school parade at a respectful distance and clap for each class as they pass. Visit a school yard after the parade where games and waffles are open to everyone for a small fee. Buy a small Norwegian flag from a kiosk the day before, and you will fit right in.
If you are photographing, be considerate. Ask permission if you are taking a close portrait, especially of children. Wide shots of the crowd and bands are fine and common.
Rain, Shine, And Everything Between
Norwegians celebrate in all weather. I have marched in drizzle, sun, and once in a stubborn mix of sleet and confetti. If the forecast is unsettled, wear waterproof shoes and bring a spare pair of socks in your bag. A compact umbrella is fine in most places, but along very crowded stretches a light rain jacket is easier. The day is long. Comfortable shoes that still look smart are your best friend.
A Day Built On Community
What strikes most visitors is how communal the celebration feels. You see school banners your taxi driver once marched behind, bunad jewelry that belonged to someone’s grandmother, and a city that pauses to watch its children march down the main street. If you show up with curiosity, a smile, and a small flag, you will be welcomed into that circle for a day.
Gratulerer med dagen. And yes, help yourself to another ice cream. You are in Norway on May 17.