Constitution Day, celebrated every year on May 17th, is a significant national holiday in Norway. It marks the date in 1814 when Norway signed its constitution in Eidsvoll, creating an independent nation following a brief incorporation in Sweden. This historic day is filled with national pride and civic participation, including parades, concerts, and special ceremonies commemorating the constitution's adoption.
On this day, festivities begin early in the morning and last into the late hours of the night. The highlight of the celebration is the children's parade, where children march through the city streets with flags and banners. In addition, high school graduates, known as 'Russ,' wear their distinctive red overalls and celebrate their impending graduation. The royal family also makes an appearance, greeting the procession from the palace balcony in Oslo.
While Constitution Day is a joyful time, it's also a day for Norwegians to reflect on their history and values. The constitution marked the establishment of democracy in Norway, laying the groundwork for the country to develop into one of the most prosperous and socially advanced in the world. It is a day where Norwegians, no matter where they are in the world, celebrate their country's freedom, history, and cultural heritage.