Every year on the 17th of May, Norway throws a big party to celebrate our constitution. As a child it is one of the biggest days of the year where you get to dress up, walk in a parade and eat as much ice cream as you want. As you get older it is a day to be spent eating and drinking with friends, and to walk around looking pretty in your bunad. This year I managed to spend the day in Oslo, my first celebration in Norway since I was in the 7th grade!
Still big crowds, even after the parade
We started the day at my friends house with a massive breakfast. There was shrimp, smoked salmon, pates and of course champagne. We also watched the children’s parade on TV, and by doing so avoided the crowds in the city center. As most of us were in our traditional bunads we also had a miniature photo shoot in the garden, which is also kinda mandatory.
Yummy breakfast
Feeling a slight buzz from all the champagne, we decided to take a break from eating and drinking and head into town. The parade was over so there was not as many people as before, but the city center was still pretty busy. My favorite part about walking around town was watching all the people in their bunads – each area in Norway has their own and there are so many variations of them. As I have inherited my moms bunad it is from Rogaland, the area where she was born and raised. It is mainly made of wool, with hand stitched embroidery and silver jewelry – so it can easily get really hot when wearing it.
My pretty bunad!
After walking through town, we ended up having a small pit stop at my apartment for cake and more champagne. We finished the day at one of Oslo’s main stomping grounds, Dattera til Hagen, where, you guessed it, there was more food and champagne. I must admit it was kind of strange to go clubbing in my bunad, but I guess that is what one does.
Red, white and blue cake
Most people are still out in their bunads in the evening
Not having spent a 17 mai in Norway since I was a kid it was an amazing experience. Was it what I expected – not exactly. However it was the most incredible day celebrating Norway, traditions and the perfect weather.
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