Five Questions About May 17th – Answered
May 17th is a day of flags, children’s parades, and bunads – but also of laughter, ice cream, community, and unexpected conversations with strangers. It might be the one day a year when Norwegians are the least “typically Norwegian”: we smile, chat with strangers, and laugh out loud. Kind of like on a hiking trail – just with more marching bands and brain freezes.
I grew up mostly outside Norway – but I’ve celebrated May 17th every year: at embassies, Norwegian churches abroad, and in backyards. No matter where in the world, the traditions stuck. Someone was always sweating in a bunad – or at least wearing a red, white, and blue ribbon.
The celebration is inclusive and easy to join: you don’t need a bunad or to have grown up in Norway. An ice cream in hand, a smile to the parade, and a friendly “Gratulerer med dagen!” – that’s enough.
Here are five common questions people ask about Norway’s national day:
Why do Norwegians love May 17th?
The national assembly in 1814, where Norway took its first steps towards becoming a democracy.
May 17th marks the adoption of Norway’s constitution in 1814 and is a day to celebrate freedom, democracy, and togetherness. But it’s not just about military displays – it’s about children’s parades, music, waving flags, and ice cream.
Part of why this day is so beloved to many is, I think, reflected in one of the names this day bears: “Barnas dag” (the children’s day). You’re meant to have fun, smile at people, and enjoy every second with abandon.
What do people actually wear on May 17th?
The short answer: you’ve got options – the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and take part.
The most traditional outfit is the bunad, a national costume with more than 450 regional variations. Many wear a bunad passed down through generations, often with personal or local history stitched into every detail.
Another exciting option is creating your own festdrakt (a modern folk-style outfit). A fantastic way to express your idently is to combine Norwegian elements with fabrics and expressions from their own cultural backgrounds – one person even created a beautiful festdrakt using Congolese fabric! There are also more gender-neutral options, and you’re free to choose what suits you best.
But you don’t need a bunad or festdrakt. Those who have served or are currently serving can wear military uniforms. Most people wear their nicest clothes – a dress, suit, shirt, or blazer – maybe with a red, white, and blue ribbon.
What do people eat (and how much ice cream is okay)?
Ask a child: as much ice cream as you want! Ice cream, hot dogs, waffles, and soda are staples in parks and schoolyards. Many adults start the day with a champagne breakfast – eggs, bubbles, strawberries – either at home or out. Some cafés in Oslo now open at 8:00 AM to make space for it.
Alcohol has become more visible – and sometimes expected – even on a day meant to be family-friendly. For high school seniors (russ), partying is part of the tradition, and the contrast can be striking.
Bottom line: eat ice cream, share a meal, enjoy the day – with or without bubbles. What matters most is the sense of community, not the glass in your hand.
Where should you go in Oslo on May 17th?
The children’s parade walks up Karl Johans gate to the Royal Palace, where the royal family waves from the balcony. Get there early!
Want something quieter? Head to Frognerparken, St. Hanshaugen, or Ekebergparken for picnics and music. You don’t need a big group – just find a spot and enjoy.
And if you want to catch everything, check out the City of Oslo’s official program for May 17th. It has a full overview of choirs, bands, ceremonies, salutes, concerts, and more.
What do people say – and how do you join in?
On May 17th, people will greet you with a cheerful: “Gratulerer med dagen!”
(Happy Constitution Day!)
You can say it to friends and family, to your teacher, the cashier at the store – say it to anyone. It might feel strange the first time, but it catches on quickly.
You’ll also hear songs – lots of them! From national anthems to cheerful children’s tunes. If you’re not familiar with them, don’t worry – just listen, and you might find a favorite. Three essential songs are “Ja, vi elsker dette landet” (the national anthem), “Norge i rødt, hvitt og blått”, and “Vi ere en nasjon vi med”. You’ll either hear them being played by the marching band or by someone putting it on in the background at the champagne breakfast. Either way, it is such a mood.
For more songs, we recommend searching for spotify playlists named “17.mai”. Here, you’ll find a mix of instrumentals (korpsmusikk), kids music, and party anthems. Go wild!
Now you’re ready!
Happy Constitution Day! We hope you smile at a stranger, wave to a parade, and eat so much ice cream you lose count. 🇳🇴
Written by Lisa Ovidia Knardal, consultant at Alfaskolen
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