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NATIONAL DAY

Oslo police stop May 17th parade with ‘around 150’ participants

Police in Oslo halted a parade to mark Norway’s National Day on Monday in which the number of participants appeared to exceed the city’s current restrictions on public assembly.

Published: 17 May 2021 16:44 CEST

Oslo police stop May 17th parade with 'around 150' participants

Photo by Ernest Ojeh on Unsplash

Around 150 people gathered in central Oslo to take part in a parade, which was stopped by police as it headed towards the Royal Palace, newspaper VG reported.

“They had a size of about 150, give or take. They were moving around the city centre and at one point crossed Karl Johan (street) towards the palace,” senior police officer Tor Gulbrandsen told VG.

The event was called an “alternative May 17th parade” by Gulbrandsen, in absence of the city’s regular National Day celebrations.

Norway’s current coronavirus restrictions allow parades of up to 200 people provided social distancing is observed. But restrictions in Oslo are significantly tighter, with public assembly limited at 10 people.

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“Another event was taking place at the palace. The police therefore chose to stop this alternative parade before it reached Slottsplassen [Palace Square, ed.],” the police officer said.

Participants joined the parade as a protest against Norway’s coronavirus restrictions, VG writes.

The royal family was on the balcony at the palace, in keeping with regular May 17th traditions, as the alternative parade approached the location, police said.

“Things happened calmly, but the police had to clearly communicate with the organisers to prevent them from disrupting the other event,” Gulbrandsen said.

That included using megaphones to inform them that their event was “illegal”.

The parade then moved towards the Egertorget square, by which time the number of participants had dwindled.

“Police were in the area to ensure they did not disrupt other events and have thoroughly documented the behaviour that went on. We must subsequently look at whether there will be stronger response (by police), it is too early to say as of now,” Gulbrandsen told VG.

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Key things you absolutely shouldn't do on May 17th in Norway

Forgetting to do the shopping or leaving it last minute

This advice has more to do with the run-up to May 17th than the day itself. May 17th is a public holiday in Norway, which means, by law, most shops will be shut. Many restaurants will only be accepting set-menu bookings or will be closed.

Therefore, if you don’t get in enough food by the 16th, you will likely need to head to the nearest convenience store to get what you need.

Getting by for a single day is simple enough, but in 2023 May 17th will be followed by another public holiday on May 18th (Ascension Day).

Two days without supermarkets and other shops open will be more of a challenge. The country’s alcohol laws mean that after 8pm on the 16th, you won’t be able to buy alcohol in stores until the 19th.

Even if you are aware of the closures, don’t leave the shopping until the last moment as the shops will be packed with your fellow last-minute shoppers. You may also find the selection limited.

Should you head to one of Norway’s wine monopolies, you may also find that the queue is so long that you may need more time to buy what you want.

Expecting transport to be normal

Don’t even begin to dream of being able to drive your car near the centre of the town or city you live, as it will likely be closed off for pedestrian traffic and children’s parades. You can also expect public transport to be disrupted, either with a reduced timetable or for it to be busy. However, there is a certain amount of charm to hopping on a bus and seeing it full of people wearing their national costumes.

Not knowing the flag rules

May 17th is the most famous flag day in Norway. Essentially, Norway has a set of rules that govern when you can fly the Norwegian flag and how.

While you won’t be slapped with a prison sentence or face deportation for breaking them, it is considered disrespectful to break these laws.

For starters, if you live in an apartment block, you likely have a flag pole already. On May 17th, most of your neighbours will have the Norwegian flag on display. You will need to erect this after 8am and take it down by 9pm.

Keeping the flag up after 9pm or after dark is considered to be lacking in respect. Several other rules also apply to flags, both ones you’ll hoist and smaller ones you will hold in your hands.

Generally, they should be treated with respect and never touch the ground. Furthermore, you should never tread or walk on a flag, nor should you use nails or anything else to attach flags to decorations.

Pointing small handheld flags to the floor may also be considered a no-no, but this isn’t an official flag rule.

Be overly critical

Now seeing thousands of people in national costumes line the streets to wave flags and celebrate their nation may cause quite a bit of culture shock.

That’s because, for many, it will actually be quite unusual. Again, however, there is an appropriate time and place for things. So while most Norwegians wouldn’t mind answering a few questions about May 17th or listening to observations about how strange it is – it is probably best not to be too critical of a very important day for many people.

If you have any questions or wisecracks, it is best to save them for a few days before or after May 17th itself.

Not taking time to enjoy things

While we’ve filled this article with the mistakes you should definitely avoid, one of the biggest mistakes is not taking the time to enjoy it.

Whether it’s the BBQs, the ice creams or (probably) the champagne breakfasts, Norwegians are especially easygoing on May 17th.

There is generally a jubilant atmosphere in the air, and people are in good spirits. The locals are typically all too happy to share the day’s traditions and customs with newcomers.

Therefore, try not to worry too much about the mistakes you could make and focus on enjoying the day instead. After all, May 17th may be the absolute best time to be in Norway.

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