Seattle Culture
Hip Hip Hip Hurra! Friday is Norwegian Constitution Day
The celebration marks its 50th year in Ballard
By Carly Dykes May 16, 2024
This article originally appeared in the July/August 2024 issue of Seattle magazine.
Where else but Ballard would Norwegian Constitution Day (or Syttende Mai, meaning 17th of May) be a thing?
Well, it’s been a big deal in Seattle’s historic Nordic neighborhood for five decades now, and locals will again celebrate Norwegian Constitution Day — the national day of Norway that celebrates the signing of the country’s constitution on May 17, 1814, that ensured that Norway would be an independent Kingdom.
The 50th annual Ballard celebration, called the 17th of May Seattle, is the third-largest Norwegian Constitution Day celebration in the world, and the biggest outside of Norway.
Festivities kick off at 11:30 a.m. May 17 at the National Nordic Museum with a formal luncheon fit for a Viking, featuring music, special toasts, and two special guests: the 17th of May Parade’s Grand Marshal, Torleiv Opleiv Opland (deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Norwegian Embassy) and Honorary Marshal Jeanne Kohl-Welles, a former state senator who recently retired from the King County Council.
The museum also hosts everything from the parade’s visiting Norwegian Fjord horses to “Nordic Express” rides and other youth activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrants can also swing by Ballard’s Bergen Place Park to hear traditional Norwegian music and can munch on Pølse med lompe (a Norwegian hot dog wrapped in lefse, which is basically a potato tortilla) from Ballard’s Scandinavian Specialties. Leif Erikson Hall also features Scandinavian foods and festive entertainment.
Thousands of parade-goers will line the streets of the neighborhood for a parade that begins at 6 p.m.
SKOL!
Follow Us
Must List: Six Things to Do in Seattle This Week
Apr 17 - Apr 23
Phish, foodies, freedom
Hey, how’s it going? There’s a lot happening right now, nationally and here in Seattle, and not all of it’s easy to watch. Humanities Washington is fighting through federal budget cuts, trying to protect the kind of community programs we usually take for granted. Earth Day is coming up, but this year it feels heavier….
Must List: Five Things to Do in Seattle This Week
Apr 10 - Apr 16
Shopping, Blooming, Whale-Watching
Spring has teased us this week, but alas, it’s not predicted to last. Typical. If you do plan on dodging some spring showers, check out Robin’s Restaurant and Market in Fremont, the new eatery from the owners of the popular Greenwood American Bistro. Early reviews are stellar. Maybe take a trip to Seattle’s first Fat…
Must List: Six Things to Do in Seattle This Week
Apr 03 - Apr 09
Big sounds, bold films, taco truck showdown
Looks like we’ve got ourselves a pretty spring day. While you’re out and about, there’s plenty happening around town: a new Filipino-Hawaiian spot is taking over the old Highliner space, and Sabine is heading to the Eastside. Seattle U. just unveiled plans for a new museum, and the Storm scored a major national TV deal….
Must List: Six Things to Do in Seattle This Week
Mar 27 - Apr 02
Petals, punk, and one last bite
This week, we’ve got chefs falling in love (and letting us in on it), prom price tags that’ll make you rethink your corsage budget, and a tiny bit of progress on the gender pay gap. It’s all happening. Now here’s a few things to get you out the door… Once Upon a Time in…