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May 18, 2017

17th of May Celebration in Norway

I won’t deny that traveling is expensive but there are so many things that traveling can give you in return. It is an investment in yourself because it makes you smarter. As they always say, “Travel makes you realize that no matter how much you know there’s always more to learn” Yes, there are so many things to discover, explore, and experience in the world.


When we’re planning for our summer vacation in Norway, I make sure that we will be here on 17th of May. I experienced that during our first visit to Norway so I also want my son to witness how Norwegians celebrate their National Day. 

May 17 is a holiday in Norway, it is their National Day or Norwegian Constitution Day. It is also known as Grunnlovsdagen (Constitution Day) Nasjonaldagen (The National Day) or the most common is syttende mai (17th of May).

This is a big celebration in Norway so I guess this is the reason why they don’t celebrate Mother’s Day in the month of May. They have so many celebrations every May and National Day is very significant to them.



In fact, you will see a lot of stuff in the market for the 17th of May celebration. People put flags in their own houses, decorate their houses, prepare food and even go out of the house to join or watch children's parades. Norway is the only country in the world that has children's parades during National Day. 


Even though I’m a Filipino, I enjoyed watching their National Day celebration. I’m so amazed because they really celebrate this day, not only in Norway but around the world. Norwegians all over the world, make their own effort to celebrate the 17th of May in their own little way, whether they are a big or small group. 



Norwegians wear traditional outfits called bunad or they wear something red, white, or blue. They wear ribbons, bring flags and shout Hurra! Hurra! Hurra! Each city, kommune or place has its own parade. Children from different schools and other local organizations in the community gather together to parade. We watched the parade in Ørland, watch the video here


It was a short parade so we were able to go home early for our lunch. The longest parade is in Oslo, the capital of Norway. I saw the Royal Family waving hands on the balcony of Royal Palace. 


When it comes to food, they only serve a few dishes. Unlike sa Pinas na parang buffet lagi pag may handaan. My mom prepared baked salmon, coleslaw, boiled potatoes and carrots, hollandaise sauce, and pavlova. Pavlova is always present every 17th of May because the colors of this dessert symbolize the color of the flag of Norway.



Read: Pavlova for 17th of May 


I’m thankful for the experience and I just hope that we have this kind of celebration in our country. Filipinos will also go out and celebrate our national holiday, especially Independence Day, sana hindi lang puro rally, or people power lumalabas ang tao.

 “One’s destination is never a place but a new way of seeing things” - Henry Miller

7 comments:

  1. Wow, that pavlova looks super mouthwatering! Anyway, you're right. Sana dito sa Pilipinas ganyan din magcelebrate ang mga Pinoy ng national day. Nakakainis na yung puro rally na lang.

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  2. That pavlova looks yummy! Yep, their National Day is pure celebration unlike here that's more on rallies and complaints against the government. Sadly, there's no unity, and focused with own political interests.

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  3. I wish we Filipinos could celebrate out National Day just like Norwegians do. Parang bongga how they celebrate it and how they respect that date. The Pavlova looks yummy and very traditional in color.

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  4. Aha, so my hubby's birthdate is an important date in Norway. I will tell him that. I am not a fan of parties with too many food on the table. We keep it simple here as well.

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  5. Saw that pavlova again. And again im craving for that kind of cake. Seems like people of Norway are a little nationalist l, celebrating the 17th of May. Cute as well that they have parade and they truly flaunt their flag.

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  6. i love the way they celebrate. How I wish our country do the same

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  7. Beautiful celebration and priceless to experience it. I hope Filipinos will be as nationalistic as the Norwegians and celebrate momentous occasions like this with fervor and enthusiasm, too! And I must agree with other commenters, that pavlova is to die for!

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