After two years of corona restrictions, Norway is getting ready to celebrate May 17.
Most of the school children in first to third grade will, for the first time, be able to experience parades.
“Now, we can follow all the old traditions from our 175-year history of celebrating May 17. Now we will have a traditional celebration – like the one we had in 2019 – with a program from the early morning to the evening,” the leader of the May 17 Committee in Bergen, Liv Cecilie Lycke, told NTB.
Ukrainian flag
In Bergen and several other places, it has been a tradition for years to allow other flags than the Norwegian one. In Nordland, Rana Mayor Geir Waage (AP) is issuing a clear invitation to residents from other countries to participate in the May 17 celebrations.
“The Ukrainian refugees who have just arrived in Rana have also been invited… There is also the opportunity to bring their national flags. Together with the Norwegian flags, this will reflect the colorful society we have become. Opening up for other national flags, Sami flags, and the like is something we have also done at previous celebrations,” Waage told Rana.no.
Children’s parade
In Oslo, the stage is again set for this spring’s most beautiful event – 60,000 pupils from 130 primary schools will go up Karl Johan street, past the Storting, and up to a waving Royal Family on the castle balcony. The children’s parade usually gathers around 100,000 spectators along the route, which ends at Rådhusplassen.
In Stavanger, the city’s status as an international city will be reflected in the May 17 celebrations. Acting Mayor Dagny Sunnå Hausken emphasizes that everyone is welcome.
Source: © NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today / #NorwayTodayTravel
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