Syttende Mai (17th May) - Norwegian Constitution Day in San Diego

Every year on the Sunday closest to May 17th the Norwegians of San Diego get together in Balboa Park to celebrate Constitution Day, more commonly known as Syttende Mai, or simply the 17th of May. This national holiday of Norway celebrates the signing of the Norwegian Constitution on 17 May 1814. The celebration has been held in the International Houses area of the Park for many years now, and it's always been one of my favorites to attend.


The festivities start with a big parade.

Everyone got lined up, but they had to wait while a TV personality from Norway did her thing. The interviews and parade were being televised in Norway this year.

Finally the parade was under way. It went on for quite a while.

Time for a snack. The House of Norway was serving vafler, waffles with jam and sour cream. The line was long, but it was worth the wait.

The San Diego Norwegian Men's Choir performing.

Watching the festivities.

Before I left I stopped in to a few of the other houses. The House of Ireland was serving Irish Whiskey Bread, Irish Soda Bread and Colcannon, and the House of Poland had some grilled Polish sausage that they served on a piece of bread with a slice of pickle.  Lots of good food to sample today.


Click here to see more images from the Norwegian Constitution Day celebration in Balboa Park, San Diego.