Holidays in Norway

In the north of Europe, the state of Norway is located, which attracts tourists with unusual holidays and traditions .

What holidays are celebrated in Norway?

The country is famous for its interesting history, which can be traced on the national holidays of Norway. Let's try to do this in our article.

Let's talk about the holidays in Norway, which will be celebrated in 2017:

1. The New Year is traditionally celebrated on the night of December 31 to January 1. The holiday is marked by colorful fireworks, which starts around 9 pm, and reaches a climax by midnight. On this day young Norwegians receive sweet gifts, brought by the gnome Julenissen, who come on a harnessed goat. Adults exchange symbolic souvenirs .
2. Another national holiday of Norway is the birthday of King Harald V. Monarch was born on February 21, 1937. Annually the event is solemnly celebrated. National flags are raised all over the country, festivals and concerts are held.
3. Particularly revered in Norway is Shrovetide - Fastelavn. Festive festivals last 3 days: fleskesondag, fleskemandag and hvitetirsdag. These days, Norwegians literally overeat with a variety of dishes, believing that the year will be rich and full. In the carnival, birch branches, wrapped in multicolored paper, are also traditional. Local believe that the rite promises relief from misfortunes and diseases. The holiday is celebrated on 26 February.
4. Adults and children adore Easter , which falls every year at different times (in 2017 - on April 16). In Norway, it is noted slightly differently than in other countries. Solemn events are entertaining, not religious, only a few Norwegians attend church on holidays. Easter is one of the public holidays in Norway, all institutions of the country do not work for a week. The main symbols are Easter eggs and chickens.
5. Labor Day - May 1 - is celebrated throughout the country. Residents of cities and villages go to nature, collect greens and flowers. The central square of the settlements is decorated with trees. Young men in love carry a tree under the windows of the chosen ones.
6. The Day of Remembrance and Sorrow, as well as the liberation of Norway from fascism, is celebrated annually on May 8. During the Second World War, Norway was in occupation. Soviet troops liberated the besieged territories on April 9, 1940, completely destroyed fascist groups on May 8, 1945. Since then, on this day of each year, solemn rallies and parades, and inspections of army troops are held.
7. On May 8, Norway celebrates another holiday - the night of women . It was coined in 2006 by activists of the feminist movement of the country, who fought for equality.
8. May 17, Norway celebrates Constitution Day , which is the main national holiday of the country. On a solemn day, the Norwegians decorate their homes and surrounding territories, put on national costumes, sing songs, go to each other's houses. In the capital, the king and his family congratulate the inhabitants of the country.
9. The beginning of June in Norway is associated with the feast of Pentecost . This event symbolizes the Holy Spirit and is associated with the founding of the Holy Church. Attributes of the celebration are large fires, houses decorated with fresh foliage and flowers and, of course, pigeons. Norwegians go to the temples to pray.
10. The day of cancellation of the union with Sweden falls on June 7. The Swedish-Norwegian legal united state was formed in 1814 after the defeat of Norway in the war and lasted almost a century. June 7, 1905 the agreement was canceled. Since then, the day is celebrated.
11. June 23 in Norway marks the night of St. Hans or the shortest night of the year. Twilight time bright campfires illuminate, in which old boats are burnt, old songs are sung and wreaths of wildflowers are woven.
12. Norway plunges into celebrations dedicated to the birthday of Queen Sonja on July 23 of each year. Norwegians love their ruler, because she was born in an ordinary family. Becoming the wife of the monarch, Sonia helped many sick and disadvantaged.
13. Day of the Fjord is celebrated in Norway, the festival is celebrated from 12 to 14 July.
14. On July 29, the Norwegians remember St. Olaf II , who became a national hero and united disparate kingdoms. His name is associated with the adoption of Christianity.
15. The birthday of Princess Martha is celebrated on September 22. All flags of Norway are raised at all state facilities.
16. St. Martin's Day precedes the Christmas post, because it is incredibly popular in Norway. Festive tables are full of food, the main dish is fried goose.
17. On December 24, the indigenous population of the country celebrates Christmas Eve . It is loved by both adults and children, because this is one of the main family celebrations. Many Norwegians go to church service, and after they gather for a family dinner, after which you can taste turkey and delicious Norwegian fish dishes . In the houses there are dressed firs, under which gifts are prepared for all. Television broadcasts good movies and cartoons for the youngest.
18. Christmas is celebrated on December 25th. This day is usually held in a narrow family circle. Activities in Christmas are very similar to the activities of people on Christmas Eve.
19. Following Christmas, Norway celebrates St. Stephen's Day , the Great Martyr. This is one of the public holidays in Norway, when it is customary to give gifts, meet with friends, make noisy parties.