Constitution Day — Syttende Mai ("the Seventeenth of May") — is Norway's national day, celebrated every 17 May (a Sunday in 2026). Unlike many national days, it's famous not for military parades but for children's parades and a sea of traditional costumes. Here's the history.
See Norway's holiday calendar or the May 2026 calendar.
Why is Norway's Constitution Day on May 17?
It marks 17 May 1814, the day the Norwegian Constitution was signed at Eidsvoll, declaring Norway an independent kingdom. Although Norway soon entered a union with Sweden that year, the Constitution survived — and remains one of the oldest written constitutions still in use in the world.
Full independence came later (1905), but 17 May, the Constitution's birthday, became the national day.
A national day like no other
Syttende Mai is famously civilian and child-centred:
- Barnetog — children's parades, where schoolchildren march with flags and bands rather than soldiers.
- The largest parade, in Oslo, passes the Royal Palace, where the royal family waves from the balcony.
- People wear bunad, the elaborate regional folk costume, or their finest clothes.
- Cries of "Hipp hipp hurra!", brass bands, ice cream and hot dogs.
Quick answers
Why is Norway's Constitution Day on May 17? It marks the signing of the Norwegian Constitution on 17 May 1814.
What is Syttende Mai? Norwegian for "the Seventeenth of May" — the country's Constitution Day and national day.
Why are there children's parades? Norway's national day is deliberately civilian and family-focused, centred on children's parades rather than the military.
When is Norway's Constitution Day 2026? Sunday, 17 May 2026 — it is always 17 May.