Across the globe, many countries are well known for celebrating certain days that hold great significance to them.
Like the Brazilians have their carnival and the Irish celebrate the Saint Patrick’s Day, Norway celebrates the Norwegian Constitution Day.
Essentially, Norway’s answer to Rio Carnival or St Patrick’s Day is 17th May – The Norwegian Constitution Day. Whilst many countries celebrate their national day with a military parade, it is quite different in Norway. It is a huge party atmosphere with no hint of jingoism or the military triumphalism, but happy faces and, fun and frolic. In Norway, the Constitution Day is indeed huge. To all of Norway’s people, this day is considered even bigger than Christmas! Yes, you read that right.
What’s this day all about?
On 17 May, Norwegians commemorate the signing of the constitution that took place on the date in 1814. The day is also referred to as syttende mai (“seventeenth May”).
Norwegians are all out on the streets with flags in their hands, enjoying the parade and the marching bands, they are all dressed in traditional costumes. As many as 100,000 people parade through Oslo city centre.
While the celebrations in Norway were on, the Norwegian Constitution Day was celebrated with similar enthusiasm at Kodework and Ninestack, Goa. The celebrations began with a 7 am champagne breakfast – Our Norwegian host, Caroline, prepared a sumptuous breakfast comprising of scrambled eggs, bacon, fresh loaves of bread, and more.
The entire team at Kodework and Ninestack were dressed in the colours of the Norwegian flag. The day at work began with Caroline beautifully playing the National Anthem. Following that, there were various fun activities held through the day where everyone from Ninestack and Kodework participated. Ninestack were the winners of the Royal Norwegian Challenge. A fun day indeed!
We hope all our Norwegian friends had a similar day! Hipp Hipp Hurra!