17 May - Norway's Independence Day
17 May is the day when Norwegians celebrate the signing of the constitution in 1814. Most countries have a similar national day but in Norway it has become first and foremost a day for the children. They get up very early in the morning and dress in their best clothes. Many wear national costumes, which in Norway vary from district to district.

The day starts with the hoisting of the flag. Then all the children join in a procession, singing and cheering. Most schools have their own school band which leads the procession. Neither Øyvind nor Kari plays in the school band but many of their classmates do. In Oslo the procession takes several hours to walk past the Palace where the royal family stands on a balcony waving to all the children. The rest of the day is spent in fun and games.