17^thof May city guide for exchange students

17^th of May History and Traditions – By event manager of InSA

History:

Norway adopted its constitution in 1814, and it is this event that is celebrated on May the 17th. The Norwegian Parliament, the Storting, held the first May 17 celebrations in 1836, and from then on the day was regarded as the national day. The first children’s parade was held in 1870. Since 1906, the Royal Family have gathered on the balcony of the Royal Palace in Oslo to wave to the children marching by.

Dress

Most people dress in their best spring clothes, suites for menn and dresses for woman, with a Norwegian flag or  May 17 ribbon pinned to their lapel. It has become increasingly popular to wear the national dress, the bunad, on this occasion. The bunad varies in appearance from region to region and the magnificent sight of national costumes from all over the country is one of the reasons why this day truly represents a celebration of Norwegian tradition and history.

The “russ” celebration- ending 13 years of school
May 17th is also the day students in their last year of upper secondary school celebrate the end of 13 years of school, even though many still have to pass final exams. They call themselves “russ” and illustrate their standing through colourful overalls depending on their line of study. High spirits are the norm and the festivities usually last day and night. Many transport themselves around town in self-decorated buses and vans with slogans and loud music.
This is the last day for all the Russ and you should therfor ask for «russe kort» (russ card). «Russ kort» is very popular among kids, here it says which school they go to, their name and a slogan. «Russ kort» is a fun free and uniq souvenir to bring back home.

What norwegians uasally do 17^th of May:

Champagne breakfast:

Wake up early and have friends over for champagne breakfast in true norwegian style. Eat strawberries and cake with the champagne (Yes at breakfast). This is a cheap way to do somthing fun, be with friends and celebrate as a true norwegian. It is alright to start drink champagn 11 in the morning and go out to city center later.

Childrens parade from 10 am:
All schools in Oslo have a parade where they walk from Youngstorget, to The Castle (Karl Johans gt) and wave to the King and Queen. Very known in Oslo and expected to be a lot of people. The schools walk with a quior and sing their school song, and walk with their school logo on a big billboard.

This will last untill 4/5 in the eventing. If you want to stay inn you can also wach this on TV.

Also the norwegian Russ usually have their parade after the children are done. They usally crawl in front of the Castel.

The Russ usally walk after all the childeren, around 3 o`clock.

NB!
In the city center there will be a lot of peopl and difficult to get past people. Be pasient and wait and have good time for everything. Also you need to chech how the subways are going, they will have different times and may not go the regular route. Be aware where you have all your belonging and take care of you cell phone and money so no one steals it!!

Park Life:

In the evening it is common to go to the park with your firends and just relax. Take a grill with you, some music and then you are all good!

Restaurants:

If you want to eat out on 17^th it is wise to make table reservations because it will be a lot of people who are going to try to get a table. A lot of restaurants have a speciall 17^th of may menu where you eat tradistional norwgian food.

There is a lot of restaurants that do not take reservations so then you have to be preperd to stand in line.

Kuba Park

Concert from 13 00

Can bring your own booze and grill or buy there. Lot of different artist will preform, known and unknown. A lot of different people and always good time. Concert for anti racism. Here you will find all kinds of people and there is no kind of dresscode. You can take with you your own alcohol and food, or you can buy it at the place.

Kuba Park is located at Grunerløkka, trikk to Olaf Ryes Plass.

Grønnland:

At Grønnland there are always a tivoli with games and carusels. This is a fun experience but can be expensive of you want to take a lot of rides. There will be a lot of young people and kids there.

Youngstorget:

There will be a Russ event on Youngstorget, with all the Russ, their Busses and different events that they have planned. Starts from 3 o`clock.

- By Event Manager

InSA would like to invite you to a Goodbye Party for all InSA students, especially those of you who are leaving after this semester.

We invite you to go on a boat trip in the Oslofjord, where you will be served some food. On the menu is shrimp sandwiches, in typical norwegian style. You will also have the chance to buy beverages, alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic.

The boat trip will last from 16.00-20.00 pm. Afterwards we encourage you to have a pre-party, before we meet again at a nightclub (more info will come later)

During the boat trip, you will be given a voucher for a free beer at the nightclub. The nightclub will have free entrance, and you will all be on the guest list to skip the line!

The price is 150 kr. and this includes the 4 hour boat trip, finger food, free entrance and guest list at a club, as well as one voucher for a drink in the bar.

Sign up for this springs final party before returning home!!!!!

We have LIMITED spaces for this event, so HURRY UP and sign up! Deadline for registration is the 14th of May!

Sign up to Ling at
finance.insa@sbio.no
Mail must contain:
- Full name
- Tlf nr
- Also confirm your attendance

NB. Binding Registration

InSA is proud to present a new board for the upcoming two semesters!
We in the new board of InSA are all very excited to get to know all of the exchange students better, and to have a wonderful year in InSA!

N.Ronja Ahumada President of InSA

Ling Ling Tsai Vice President & Head of Economics

Celine Victoria Vindenes Head of Information & PR

Gio Barbasha Tandashvili Head of Projects

Alexandra-Kanutte Skåre Head of Events