Norway is a country with a conservative outlook on life, where respect for the ruling monarchs is in no way inferior to the British. The birthdays of members of the royal family are celebrated annually. Norwegians are not alien to traditional European holidays such as Christmas, Easter and New Years. But at the same time, some of the holidays in Norway are completely unique.
Women's night
It began to be celebrated relatively recently, in 2006. The Norwegians of the city of Bergen simply did not have enough of the only women's holiday of the year, and they decided to create their own - Women's Night, which falls on May 8. Women hold demonstrations where they put forward their own demands, in particular, about the closure of strip bars. In 2010, the feminists of Bergen were joined by the female half of Oslo. It is likely that soon such night processions will take place in all cities of the country.
Saint Hans Day
The roots of the holiday go back to pagan times, when the inhabitants of the country worshiped the power of nature. The nights in mid-June are the shortest, and it was at this time that the peoples of the northern countries celebrated the day of the summer solstice. Even in ancient Norway, there was a custom to jump over a fire. It has survived to this day. Mass festivities are held in the country, with indispensable dancing and jumping over burning bonfires.
Saint Martin's Day
This is the last festive event before Catholic Christmas. It is celebrated on November 11th. And if the classic dish on the European table on this day is fried goose, but pork is cooked in Norway. November 11 is the last “hearty” day of the year, as the strict Christmas fast begins. That is why it is customary to celebrate St. Martin's Day with a richly set table.
Sami people day
The holiday is celebrated on February 6. The Sami are the indigenous people of the Scandinavian countries, who today live in Sweden, Finland, and here, in Russia. The holiday is celebrated in all countries, but it is especially on a large scale in Norway.
The center of the festivities is the town of Karashok, which is considered the capital of the Sami. The most interesting events take place here, and only in Karashok you can listen to yoik - the national chants of this small nation.
Fjord Day
This is a common holiday that unites all Scandinavian countries. Denmark was the first to celebrate it in 1991. Fjord Day has only one purpose - to draw people's attention to the problems of nature. During the celebrations, you can visit numerous thematic exhibitions and conferences, listen to concerts and watch many films. The festivities last for three days, from 12 to 14 July.
