Norske kalendereConstitution Day
Norwegian: Grunnlovsdagen
Constitution Day on May 17th is Norway's national day, celebrating the constitution signed at Eidsvoll in 1814. The day is marked with children's parades, traditional costumes (bunad), and ice cream across the country.
History
On May 17th 1814, Norway's Constitution was signed at Eidsvoll, and the country declared itself an independent nation — although full independence from Sweden did not come until 1905. The Constitution of 1814 is one of the world's oldest constitutions still in effect. The children's parade in Oslo, where children march past the Royal Palace and wave to the royal family, has been a tradition since the 1800s.
Norwegian Traditions
May 17th is celebrated with bunad (traditional Norwegian costumes), flags, ice cream, hot dogs, and marching bands across the country. The children's parades are the symbol of the day. Many start the day early with breakfast with family or friends. The royal family appears on the Palace balcony to wave at the passing parade. Unlike many other countries that mark national days with military parades, Norway's celebration centres on children — which is why May 17th is often called "Children's Day".
Countdown to Constitution Day 2026
Constitution Day 2024–2030
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 17 May 2024 | Friday |
| 2025 | 17 May 2025 | Saturday |
| 2026 | 17 May 2026 | Sunday |
| 2027 | 17 May 2027 | Monday |
| 2028 | 17 May 2028 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | 17 May 2029 | Thursday |
| 2030 | 17 May 2030 | Friday |
Frequently asked questions about Constitution Day
May 17th falls on a Sunday in 2026, which means the national day does not provide an extra day off for most workers that year.
Norway celebrates May 17th because the Norwegian Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly at Eidsvoll on May 17th, 1814. The Constitution marked the start of Norway's path towards independence and democracy, and was one of the most democratic constitutions in Europe at the time.
The children's parade (barnetoget) is the most famous May 17th tradition. Schoolchildren march through the streets with Norwegian flags, often accompanied by marching bands. The first children's parade was organised by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson in Oslo in 1870. Since 1906, the royal family has stood on the Palace balcony to wave at the children's parade in Oslo.
Unlike many other countries where national days are marked with military parades, Norway's celebration centres around children's parades. The idea was that the national day should celebrate democracy and belong to everyone — especially the children. May 17th is therefore often called "Children's Day" (barnas dag).
A bunad is Norway's traditional folk costume, and there are hundreds of different variations linked to different regions. Many Norwegians wear a bunad on May 17th. It is also common to wear other formal clothing if you don't own a bunad.
Typical May 17th traditions include children's parades, wearing bunad or formal clothes, flags everywhere, ice cream and hot dogs, marching band music, games in the schoolyard, speeches, and wreath-laying ceremonies. Many start the day early with a festive breakfast or lunch with family and friends.