Boom! Boom! Boom! Bergen is awake. It’s 17 May. The salute is fired from Skansen. It’s 7 o’clock in the morning. The morning procession has officially kicked off the day of celebration. With top hats and flags aloft, the procession winds its way through the city, to the delight of early risers.
The day is filled with joy and activities that are well worth experiencing. It is said that 17 May is a day for children. In Bergen, it’s a day for everyone!
Photo: Visit Bergen / Robin Strand
There is something special about the 17 May celebrations in Bergen. The special atmosphere, the crowds, the great many boats in Vågen harbour, the informality and fun of it all... The people from Bergen have always been a bit different, and that also applies to 17 May. The parade, or procession as it is known in Bergen, is a colourful affair.
More information about the program of the day.
All kinds of clubs and organisations put on a cultural and funny show that often reflects relevant aspects of society. Sports clubs dribble balls, dance, do gymnastics and play rugby along the streets, much to the onlookers’ delight. The football club Brann's players are also part of the parade; how high they hold their heads depends on the club’s position in the league and the result of the game the day before... Dentistry students dress up as the well-known Norwegian children’s book characters Karius and Baktus and throw sweets to the children. All following behind the dignitaries wearing top hats and long ribbons on their jackets, and with marching bands between them. Everybody knows someone in the procession, and they wait eagerly along the route for them to come along, to wave and wish them a happy Constitution Day.
Photo: Visit Bergen / Robin Strand
Bergen does not only have one parade, but two! While the main procession winds its way through the streets, the ‘flag parade’ walks in the opposite direction. The children from the schools in the city centre wave their flags and the city's Buekorps boys drum and march through the streets. The Buekorps tradition goes back a long time. The idea originated in the 19th century national guard, when the citizens were obliged to help defend the city. Boys who had fathers in the national guard started to imitate the drill in play, and in the mid-19th century the first boys corps' were formed. In the past, they could be found in several cities but the tradition has only survived in Bergen. Students in their final year of upper secondary school take up the rear, jumping and dancing with what energy they have left after a night of partying. They hand out their 'graduation' cards to children who collect them with great enthusiasm.
This is a day for food traditions and ice cream. Some people book a table to have lunch in the city centre, others go home to eat traditional cured meats and sour cream porridge, while others stay to observe the hustle and bustle of the city. A break and chat over a nice drink is part of the fun for adults and children alike. Children grin while they enjoy their third or fourth ice cream, and women and men wear their traditional bunad costumes with pride. The traditional costumes known as bunad are often passed on from generation to generation, and the different embroidery reflect the owner’s roots.
Speeches and entertainment are performed at Festplassen square, and the national anthem rings out in a cacophony of voices. Bergen's own national anthem, 'Nystemten', is of course also sung. or, 'Udsikter fra Ulrikken' (Views from Ulrikken), as it is actually called. Afterwards, it is time for a long list of different activities. Dinghy sailing on Lille Lungårdsvann lake and rowing races in Vågen harbour. Climbing the mast at Festplassen square and musical numbers on provisional stages across the city. To mention just a few activities.
Another salute. The day ends as it started. Boom! Boom! Boom! This time with colourful fireworks against the backdrop of the darkening night sky. Before people walk home, proud and tired.
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