The 17th of May (or  “Syttende Mai” in Norwegian) is Norway’s Constitution Day. It is a day of celebration commemorating Norwegian independence from Swedish rule, which took place on the 17th of May in 1814.

Here are 5 fun facts about Syttende Mai:

  1. It is a non-military celebration that focuses on families, children, traditional wear and above all the royal family. It is a day of patriotic pride that is not only exclusive to ethnic Norwegians, but rather inclusive of the diversity that reflects the country’s large population.
  2. The delegates in a famous painting of the Constituent Assembly at Eidsvoll was painted so well that about 70 of them can be identified.
  3. The Norwegian Constitution was inspired by the United States and French Constitutions.
  4. Syttende Mai is marked with children’s parades across Norway. The largest, in Oslo, has more than 75 schools and marching bands and is greeted by the Royal Family.
  5. Syttende Mai is undoubtedly the best day for ice cream sellers in Norway.

Celebrate Syttende Mai on Thursday, May 17th with First Citizens! Locations in Mason City, Charles City, Osage, and Mora will be serving delicious Kringla cookies in their lobby areas! They will serve cookies until gone.