May Celebrations in Tromsø 2010
I’m always amazed at how many people show up to 17 May celebrations. With all of us squished into our little Storgata it is a wonder how any parade gets through.
The Russ never fail to please with their bright red cars and wacky sense of humour. It rather resembles a pride parade than a school graduation.
Every year there are four main parades through the city streets of Tromsø – the children’s parade of primary school children, the small children’s parade of kindergarten children, the Russ parade of the years high school graduates and the people’s parade of community groups and organisations in Tromsø.
Everyone wears their best dress and there are many people wearing their Bunads. Party food like waffles, ice cream and pølser are enjoyed in between the parades. This year was one of the hottest May 17ths on record. For the first time I got sunburnt in the Arctic!
Gratulerer med dagen!
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The bunad is a traditional Norwegian costume worn by both men and women. It can either come from established rural traditions or have a more modern design inspired by historical patterns and cuts.
The further ‘out of the way’ you go the more common it is to see folk cottages standing by the side of roads, along fjords or in a thicket of trees, minding their own business. 
Flower Show Series: Arctic Botanical Garden Selection – Tromsø
A popular Summer activity in Norway is kayaking. The coast of Norway is dotted with thousands of little islands making the perfect conditions for a smooth paddle.
How Norway became a country is shrouded in mystery and folklore. The most well known tale is of Harald Hårfagre who gathered the small kingdoms of the north into a unified nation in 872AD – and of course, this story is about love.
I love it L-Jay! Oh, how I wish I could experience it in Norway. How funny that you got sunburned so far north. Happy Syttende Mai!
Blessings,
Debbie
Gratulerer med dagen to you and your familien! I remember my Syttende Mai as a Russ – CRAZY times. Trying to explain that phenomenon to non-Norwegians is basically impossible! I know what you mean about the sunburn. I actually got sun-poisoning – only time EVER- in Norway. I guess I thought I didn’t need protection in the arctic! Stupid American.
It was nice to see your parade pictures. I was so privileged to be in Bergen for their May 17th parade and had such a fabulous time. I’m envious of your sunshine! It was cloudy in Bergen. But you deserve the sun.