“17 Mai” committees nationwide plan for normal celebrations this Norwegian National Day

Photo: Erik Johansen / NTB

“17 Mai” planning committees around the country are planning for a return to pre-pandemic “normal” celebrations this year.

Want to recognise and celebrate sacrifices made during pandemic

Organizing committees for the Norwegian national day, May 17, are planning for a resumption of normal services throughout the country. Committees in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Tønsberg, Larvik Porsgrunn, Skien, and Sandefjord are all planning for celebrations the same as they were pre-pandemic.

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) is cautiously optimistic about the return of normal celebrations, according to Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK). Frode Forland, Director of Infection Control at FHI, said the FHI would be watchful of the situation. With major pandemic restrictions lifted in Norway recently, Forland was quietly optimistic even though: “It is a long time until May 17, but as it looks now with infection development and the properties of the omicron variant, there is good reason to be optimistic with regard to an almost normal May 17 celebration.”

Return of the “Barnetog” in Oslo

For those wanting to celebrate in the nation’s capital, this would be the first May 17 celebrations with a children’s parade since 2019. Anna Dåsnes (V), chair of the May 17 committee in Oslo, acknowledged the pandemic had hit younger Norwegians especially hard. She noted that “Children and young people have sacrificed a lot in recent years and for long periods lived under strict corona restrictions. We look forward to filling Oslo city center with children, flags, and a good atmosphere.”

The day starts with the laying of wreaths at ten different sights (often historic monuments and statues) followed by the return of the “Barnetog” (Children’s Parade). This parade stretches back to 1870 and is seen as the foundation of the meaning of Norway’s national day. After the parade is the traditional party concert at the Karpedammen scene, an outdoor concert venue at Akershus fortress.

Source : NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayTravel

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