Children’s parade on 17 May

Already in 1815, the year following the signing of the Constitution, enthusiasts and independence advocates would get together on Constitution Day to celebrate. That was controversial, as Norway was part of a union with Sweden at the time. People, and in particular students, gradually took the celebration out of private homes and to the public space. Citizen's parades were organized in more places each year, and when Parliament joined in and celebrated Constitution Day in 1836, 17 May had de facto become National Day.
From 1870 onwards, children's parades were organized. This focus and special space for the young generation remains the most remarkable feature of our celebration, and reflects our modern, forward-looking Constitution.
During the Second World War, National Day celebrations were outlawed by the occupying power. This led to an even stronger emphasis on our National Day as a celebration of freedom and liberty.