Norway celebrates Constitution Day on 17 May each year.
The date commemorates the signing of the Constitution at Eidsvoll on 17 May 1814. The assembly adopted the document after Norway had been transferred from Denmark to Sweden following the Napoleonic Wars. Although Norway entered a union with Sweden later in 1814, it retained its own constitution and substantial internal autonomy.
Norway’s celebration is commonly called Syttende Mai, meaning “Seventeenth of May.” Events include children’s parades, marching bands, flags and traditional clothing. Oslo’s main parade passes the Royal Palace, where the royal family traditionally greets participants from the balcony.
The day is a national celebration rather than primarily a military display. This distinguishes it from many national days elsewhere. It is also different from Sweden’s 6 June National Day and Denmark’s Constitution Day on 5 June.