National Day in Norway

National Day celebrations in Norway are on the 17th May, and it is a very exciting time for both young and old alike. With marching bands, flags, banners flying and processions, it makes for a very special day.

Each school usually arranges its own parade, marching on an arranged route The parade takes the children through the Town, sometimes making stops at homes of old pensioners and war memorials.

The longest parade is held Oslo, where over 100,000 people come in to the city centre to take part in the festivities.

This parade is also broadcast on TV, with commentary on the different bands, costumes and banners etc, the TV programme also broadcasts reports from other parades around the country.

This huge parade includes over 100 schools and bands. It also passes the Royal Palace where they are greeted by the Royal Family waving from the main balcony.

Most of the women wear the country’s beautiful National Dress, called Bunad in Norwegian, Many of them are hand sown and decorated with a lot of silver. Different areas of the country have their own special design.

To purchase one of these dresses, special hand sown, including all the silver, would cost in the region of Kr 30,000 or around £3000. :-0

Take a look at this clip of the 17th May celebrations

National day and Home