Himolde students in the 17. of May parade led by Simen Strøm Nordnes.
Samfunn

National and International Celebration

The real amount of population of Molde was finally shown on the 17th of May- The Norwegian Constitution Day. The streets, normally so scarcely populated, were suddenly lined up with a crowd, on both sides of the road, chanting, waving flags or just enjoying the parade.

Photo by  Pavla Ujmiaková

For students of HiMolde the celebration started at 13:00 in the cafeteria of Himolde and for some even earlier on famous traditional champagne breakfasts. The unusual sight of full cafeteria on Sunday was decorated by female students wearing national costumes worth tens thousands of Norwegian crowns. The Constitution Day has a deep meaning for Norwegian citizens.

The decorative Norwegian national costume, truly is beautiful
The decorative Norwegian national costume, called Bunad, truly is beautiful.

“When I was at high school 17th of May was just a free day for me when I could do anything I wanted. As I get older I see it as an opportunity to celebrate the freedom of Norway with my family and friends”

Said Kjell Arne Bergli, a student of HiMolde.

In the speech given by the Rector of HimMlde Hallgeir Gammelsæter he congratulated all the students and remembered the important 70. anniversary of the end of the Second World War during which Norway lost its independence for a short period of time. He also reminded everyone that Norwegian Constitution Day is not just a celebration for the Norwegian freedom but a celebration of human rights everywhere. It was a very nice gesture towards many International students who attended the event as well.

“We have a holiday of similar importance in France on 14th of July. But the celebration is not as large as here in Norway. For example no one really hangs flags out of their windows, that would be considered too much. The amount of non-hostile nationalism in Norway both surprises and amazes me.»

Claimed Anatole Ansar, International student from France.

Anatole Ansar participating in the parade.
Anatole Ansar participating in the parade.

The main organizer of the event Simen Strøm  Nordnes said that he welcomes all the International students and that he encourages them to celebrate their habits by bringing national costumes and even flags, despite the ongoing discussion in the society about this topic.

After attendees enjoyed the cake and other refreshments the crowd took off into the city. Few joined the traditional parade, starting at high school and finishing at the city hall, the rest went to enjoy their own personal celebrations.

For more photos from 17th of May celebration visit our Facebook page.