The 17th of May, National Day of Norway

In 1814 Norway's greatest men gathered at Eidsvoll to declare Norway's independency. The declaration was signed the 17th of May that year.

In order to celebrate this day people have joined in parades since late 1800. The Norwegian poet Bj¯rnstjerne Bjørnson wanted the children to take part in the parades, because they were the future of the nation, he said.

Therefor, in all cities and communities children from the schools and kindergartens are in the front of the parade waving the Norwegian flag.

The main parade in Oslo walks in front of the parliament where the parade is greeted, the same happens in front of the Royal Castle where the Royal family greets the parade. Every school have their own standard and flags in front of their section of the parade, In front of the Castle they lower their standard and flags to honour the Royal Family, who wave back to the parade.