7 Random Things About 17th May – Norway Day

7 Random Facts About 17th May – Norway Day

1. Norway day – the 17th of May – is celebrated as it was the day Norway got its constitution, back in 1814.
   

2. It is the busiest day of the year for Norway’s king – a whole day of waving is intense.
   
   
3. 17th May is the final day of ‘russetid’ – graduation time for students. 3 weeks of solid partying, all culminating on the morning of 17th May. 
   
   
4. 17th of May is the day Norwegians eat the most ice cream (if it is sunny) – up to 10 times the average amount for a sunny spring day.
   
   
5. During WW2 it was forbidden to parade for 17th of May. It was also forbidden to wear the Norwegian flag’s colours on one’s clothes – contributing to its importance as a symbol of Norway’s freedom ever since.
   
   
6. Marching bands are an important part of the parades – and marching band is the second most popular past time among Norwegian children (surpassed only by football).
   
   
7. It is a national holiday, but since the 18th is not, the celebrations start early – Champagne breakfast at 7am is common, so you have time to eat and drink in time to watch the main parade starting around 10am (varies regionally).
   

8.  And an extra one – remember to say congratulations to every Norwegian you see.