Norway It is that country in Northern Europe, with territory within the Arctic Circle where you will find virgin landscapes and rugged nature. This natural beauty and its high standard of living are two of the characteristics of the country, which is also distinguished by knowing how to have fun in a civic way, and more silent and contained than in other parts of Europe.
Don't be fooled… when the long winter nights end, and summer arrives, the country takes to the streets whenever it can to share and have fun.
Religious festivals
Norway is a recognized Catholic country and many of its festivals are related to this religion.
- One of the great days, or rather of the short nights is the St. John's Eve o Jonsok which means John's awakening is celebrated in Norway on June 23, and it is related to the pagan summer solstice festival that occurs on June 21. On this night, as in other countries, Norwegians gather with family and friends to dine together and light a bonfire, almost always on the shores of beaches, lakes and rivers.
- Saint Olav, king and martyr, was the one who brought Christianity to the country and died in battle on July 29. This saint, who is also known as or Olav the Fat, has his own pilgrimage path to Nidaros, a network of routes of more than 5.000 kilometers, of which more than 2.000 are in Norway and constitute a whole network of hiking ideal to know the country.
- Saint Stephen's Day, December 26, the day of this first martyr of Christianity is celebrated in Norway more than our December 25th.
Christmas
If there is an image of Christmas in our collective imagination, Norway fulfills it perfectly, the wooden houses and the snowy landscapes accompany the scenography. It is not just a time of year, but since the beginning of December all families, friends and various groups insist on reminding us that the festivities full of rituals are approaching. There is a Norwegian Christmas carol that says that Christmas lasts until Easter, but that is an exaggeration.
Christmas, which is said Jul in Norwegian, actually has pagan origins, from before Christianization, and they used to sacrifice animals and drink beer. The Christmas initiation ritual begins with baking the cookies, at least seven different types, and buying Christmas gifts.
In December there are a variety of concerts in churches and concert halls throughout the country, and the celebration of Saint Lucia on December 13 is a very special time for children in schools and kindergartens.
The most important day is Christmas Eve when most Norwegians gather for a large family dinner. The traditional dinner consists of ribbe, pork ribs, or pinnekjøtt, rack of lamb, or cod depending on the area. But the most important thing of the night comes when Julenisse, or Santa Claus, appears, handing out gifts.
Constitution Day or National Day
May 17 is Constitution Day or National Day, commemorating the signing of the Magna Carta of 1814 which meant the liberation from Danish rule, which lasted 400 years.
It is a festival in the street with great parades, but not military, but of children, youth and musical bands. A lot of flag and a lot of noise on this day where people wear their bunadsRegional traditional, male and female costumes from Norway. There are many different ones, and according to their colors and styles they indicate their place of origin.
As in any party worth its salt, there is also a culinary tradition, adults start the day with breakfast herring y akevitt, and at lunch traditional dishes such as smoked salmon, curd porridge and salty and dry or smoked charcuterie are eaten.
Sami Holidays, National Sami Day
The Sami celebrate their national day on February 6, when the first Sami congress took place, in 1917. During this festivity, different events are organized depending on the area: reindeer races, manganas throwing championships, market, gastronomic offers and more.
During Easter was the time when Sami reindeer sleighs came to the towns of karasjok y kautokeino to celebrate the end of winter. It was also the time to celebrate weddings. The Sami Grand Prix and the annual reindeer race are two of the most anticipated events, in addition to concerts, theatrical performances and exhibitions.
The Sami festival riddu riddu is organized every July and takes place in Kåfjord, Troms. It has a complete program of music, cinema and art from all over the world.
Other festivals
Without a doubt one of the reasons to go to Norway is to see a Northern Lights, this phenomenon of color and magic brings together hundreds of people at the Tromsø Festival. During the months of January and February, when temperatures drop to more than 0 degrees and the northern lights are expected, classical music, jazz, or modern music take over the auditoriums of this city in full Norwegian fjords.
In mid-June the North Cape festival takes place, with different samples of local culture, music, art and dances.
In Oslo, the two biggest festivals are organized: the Norwegian Word, focused on quality artists from the golden age of rock and pop, only suitable for the nostalgic, and the Øya festival with a younger and more adventurous profile, with special emphasis on indie, hip hop and electronic music.
And returning to the theme of gastronomy that always accompanies festivals in Norway, the Rakfisk festival in Fagernes, the raksfisk is fish cured in brine for two or three months is an event that you should not miss if you are in the area.