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 through 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:
The New Year is traditionally celebrated on the night of December 31st to January 1st. The holiday is marked by colorful fireworks, which starts at about 9 pm and reaches its climax by midnight. On this day, young Norwegians receive sweet gifts brought by the dwarf Julenissen, who arrives on a harnessed goat. Adults exchange symbolic souvenirs.
Another public holiday in Norway is the birthday of King Harald V. The monarch was born on February 21, 1937. The event is solemnly celebrated every year. National flags are raised throughout the country, festivals and concerts are held.
Carnival is especially revered in Norway – Fastelavn. The festivities 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. Whipping with birch branches wrapped in multi-colored paper is also traditional on Shrove Tuesday. Locals believe that the rite promises deliverance from misfortunes and illnesses. The holiday is celebrated on February 26th.
Adults and children adore Easter, which falls on a different time every year (in 2017 – on April 16). In Norway, it is celebrated a little differently than in other countries. Festive events are entertaining, not religious, and few Norwegians go to church on public holidays. Easter is one of the public holidays in Norway, all institutions of the country do not work for a whole week. The main symbols are Easter eggs and chickens.
Labor Day – May 1 – is celebrated on a grand scale throughout the country. Residents of cities and villages go to nature, collect greenery and flowers. The central squares of settlements are decorated with trees. Young men in love carry trees under the windows of their chosen ones.
The day of memory and sorrow, as well as the liberation of Norway from fascism, is celebrated annually on May 8th. During the Second World War, Norway was under occupation. Soviet troops liberated the besieged territories 9 April 1940, it was possible to completely destroy the fascist groups on May 8, 1945. Since then, solemn rallies and parades, reviews of army troops have been held on this day every year.
On May 8, another holiday is celebrated in Norway – Women’s Night. It was coined in 2006 by activists in the country’s feminist movement who fought for equality.
On May 17, Norway celebrates Constitution Day, which is the main national holiday of the country. On a solemn day, Norwegians decorate their homes and surrounding areas, put on national costumes, sing songs, and visit each other. In the capital, the king and his family congratulate the people of the country.
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. The attributes of the celebration are large bonfires, houses decorated with fresh leaves and flowers, and, of course, doves. Norwegians go to temples to pray.
The day of termination of the union with Sweden falls on June 7th. The Swedish-Norwegian legal united state was formed in 1814 after the defeat of Norway in the war and lasted for almost a century. On June 7, 1905, the agreement was annulled. Since then, the day has been considered a holiday.
On June 23, Norway celebrates Saint Hans Night or the shortest night of the year. The twilight time is illuminated by bright bonfires in which old boats are burned, old songs are sung and wreaths of wild flowers are woven.
Norway plunges into Queen Sonja’s birthday celebrations on July 23 every year. Norwegians love their ruler, because she was born in an ordinary family. Having become the wife of the monarch, Sonya helped many sick and destitute.
Fjord Day is revered in Norway, the holiday is celebrated from 12 to 14 July.
On July 29, Norwegians remember Saint Olaf II, who became a national hero and united disparate kingdoms. His name is associated with the adoption of Christianity.
Princess Martha’s birthday is celebrated on September 22. Norwegian flags are hoisted at all government facilities.
St. Martin’s Day precedes the Advent fast, which is why it is incredibly popular in Norway. Festive tables are bursting with dishes; roast goose is considered the main dish.
On December 24, the indigenous population of the country celebrates Christmas Eve. It is loved by both adults and children, because it is one of the main family celebrations. Many Norwegians go to a church service and then gather for a family dinner where they can taste turkey and delicious Norwegian fish dishes. Decorated fir trees stand in the houses, under which gifts are prepared for everyone. Television broadcasts good films and cartoons for the little ones.
Christmas is celebrated on December 25th. This day is usually spent in a narrow family circle. Activities on Christmas Day are very similar to what people do on Christmas Eve.
Following Christmas, Norway celebrates the day of St. Stephen, the Great Martyr. This is one of the public holidays in Norway, when it is customary to give gifts, meet friends, and have noisy parties.