May – A Month Full of Life and Traditions
May is one of the most lively and eventful months in Norway. After a long winter, the country truly comes to life with celebrations and traditions. Political, national, and cultural events all play a part in shaping this vibrant spring month.
May 1st – International Workers' Day
The month begins with International Workers’ Day on May 1st. This is a public holiday, and in many towns and cities there are parades, speeches, and events organized by labor unions and political parties. The day is about fairness in the workplace, solidarity, and the fight for better conditions for workers.
May 17th – Norway’s National Day
In the middle of the month comes what is perhaps the most beloved day of the year for many Norwegians: May 17th. This day celebrates the Norwegian Constitution, which was signed at Eidsvoll in 1814. All over the country, people take part in parades, wave flags, and wear the traditional national costume called bunad.
(If you want to learn more about the costume, there is a separate text about it here.)
May 17th is often called Children’s Day. Children can eat as many hot dogs and as much ice cream as they want, and the children’s parades are especially important. Schools organize parades where almost all children participate, and often they are playing the music too. In Oslo, the parade passes the Royal Palace, where the royal family waves from the balcony.
Russefeiring – The “Russ” Celebration
In May, many teenagers celebrate that they are almost finished with upper secondary school. They are called russ. They wear colorful clothes – most often red or blue pants. They party a lot and hand out small cards with their name and picture, called “russekort.” The russ celebration is well known in Norway. Some even drive around in buses with loud music, and the partying can last for several weeks.
In other words, May is a month full of both seriousness and joy – a time for both reflection and celebration. And soon, summer is finally here.
Have a great May!