Ok I'm finally, finally getting around to posting about Norway's National Day, which took place on the 17th May.
First of all, I apologise for the lack of (good quality) photos. I'm quite short, especially in comparison to Scandinavians and as a result, I was often unable to see over the crowds!
The Norwegian Constitution day is a national holiday and celebrates the day on which the Constitution of Norway was signed, declaring Norway's independence. It was signed on the 17th May 1814 and this date has been celebrated ever since.
On this day, the Norwegians are all dressed very beautifully in their national dress. There is a huge parade that takes place, where children from all over Oslo walk, play music and carry flags through the town.
Isn't this little guy the cutest? Honestly, seeing little babies and children all dressed up in their national dress is the cutest thing!
I personally loved the musicians and the dancers, they were very impressive.
After watching the parade for a couple of hours (we managed to squeeze ourselves into a teeny tiny gap at the front so we were standing there mesmerised for quite some time), we took a short walk up to the palace, where we saw the King waving from the balcony. Naturally we waved back.
We spent the rest of the day wandering around the city, looking for candy floss stands and watching minature music displays, before joining the crazy queues for the T-bane.
How does your country celebrate it's national day/independence day? We don't have one in England, nor do we have a national costume, which I think is such a shame! However, we will be having a big celebration this year for the Queen's diamond jubilee. It will be fun to make an English version of this post!
inspire nordic
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Your photos were perfect. Yes, that little guy was very cute!
ReplyDeleteIn America, we celebrate with backyard BBQ's, parades and fireworks. It is quite fun, but you have to be purposeful about remembering what the day is about. For many, it's national BBQ day vs. Independence Day.
Aww, thank you :)
DeleteI'd like to be in America one year for Independence Day, it sounds so exciting! Also, so many people are talking about BBQs so of course I love the sound of it :)
Some lovely photos! The little boy dressed up is just gorgeous! Here in Wales we have St Davids Day and my niece and nephew this year were all dressed up in the national dress for school! Emily had on the welsh bonnet and checked dress with a shawl with a daffodil pinned on and Dylan went in a little shirt, waistcoat, a little hat that we call a Dai Cap and a leek pinned to his outfit! So cute! I haven't dressed up since primary school but as I grew older we would wear rugby shirts too school on the day.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun!!!!! Our independence day is July 4th and the celebrations vary. On the east coast, especially in New England and the other original 13 colonies, America's independence is still very much at the forefront of celebrations and parades. But I lived on the west coast for over 20 years and out there it's just another day off to overeat and light fireworks/blow things up.
ReplyDeletelovely pics--we have cook-outs and fireworks!
ReplyDeletevery interesting to learn about this!
ReplyDelete--Izumi
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I love these pictures! That little boy is so cute. :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun day! We have something fairly similar in the USA, for the 4th of July. I mean, technically it's called Independence Day, but everyone calls it the 4th of July. There's usually a parade, though it isn't so much centered around our heritage as it is around the community. For example, 4-H groups and local clubs sometimes march. There's usually some sort of historical reenactment, I suppose. We have a street festival, too, at least where I live, and fireworks. And, yeah, cookouts and such.
ReplyDeleteAdorable little guy!
ReplyDeleteFireworks in the USA.
That little guy is cute! And I didn't know Norway had a royal family! Very cool :)
ReplyDeleteHehe, I don't think we celebrate it too.. but these photos are amazing! loved the flags and all ♥
ReplyDeleteIt looks like it was a really fun day! There's a surprise for you on my blog! :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like it was fun! Australia Day is big here, parades, fireworks, bbq's, the beach, parties and Triple J's Hottest 100 countdown!
ReplyDeleteHello! I love the photos and I just love the fact that everyone is so pretty with the national colors!
ReplyDelete