Public holiday in Norway
Constitution Day in Norway
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Constitution Day is Norway’s national day, marking the signing of the Norwegian Constitution on 17 May 1814. It is a nationwide public holiday and one of the country’s most visible civic occasions.
About Constitution Day in Norway
In Norway, Constitution Day is the main national day of the year and a public holiday across the country. It commemorates the constitution adopted at Eidsvoll in 1814, and public life on the day is shaped less by official ceremonies than by widespread civic participation. Many communities use the day to show national symbols, especially the flag, and families often make it a day for parades, gatherings and time outdoors.
History
The Norwegian Constitution was signed at Eidsvoll on 17 May 1814, after Norway’s assembly declared the country independent and adopted its own constitution. The date later became the focus of Norway’s national day celebrations, and the modern public observance developed gradually over the 19th century. Children’s parades became a defining feature of the day in the years that followed.
Traditions
Norwegian flags are widely displayed, and people commonly dress in bunad, the traditional costume worn for major celebrations. Schoolchildren often take part in parades, and many families mark the day with music, speeches and social gatherings. In many places, ice cream and hot dogs are associated with the day’s informal celebrations, especially in events for children.
How Constitution Day is celebrated in Norway
Constitution Day is marked with parades in towns and cities throughout Norway, often led by schoolchildren and local marching bands. The Norwegian royal family traditionally greets a children’s parade in Oslo, and the day is generally festive rather than ceremonial, with public spaces filled by crowds, flags and national dress.
Interesting facts
The holiday is often called Syttende mai, meaning “17 May,” in Norwegian. Unlike many national days, it focuses strongly on children’s parades rather than military displays.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 May 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.