Syttende Mai...

...Nasjonaldagen

May 17th or National Day is the Norwegian Constitutional Day.

All dressed up in Bunads

After being part of the Danish autocracy for 400 years, Norway got its own constitution in 1814 (signed at Eidsvoll on May 17!) and joined into a loose union with Sweden that lasted until 1905.

A noteworthy aspect of the Norwegian Constitution Day is its very non-military nature. (The only military element on this day is performed by the Royal Guard on the main street of the capital city, Oslo. During the parade, the Guard displays their drill and musical skills). All over Norway, children's parades with an abundance of flags form the central elements of the celebration.  In addition to flags, people typically wear red, white and blue ribbons. Although a long-standing tradition, it has lately become more popular for men, women, and children to wear traditional outfits, called bunad. In addition to the Children’s parade (Barnetoget) there is also a People's Parade (Folketoget) where every citizen is welcome to join in. These are led by marching bands and often local boy scouts and girl guides, local choirs, etc. And lastly the Russ Parade (Russtoget).

Children's Parade:

ISS in the Children's parade

People's Parade

Every club in Stavanger joined the parade... it lasted almost 2 hours!

Russ' Parade

Last day of the Russ festivities