Happy Syttende Mai!

The holiday serves as a cultural touchstone for Norwegians throughout the world.

FARGO, N.D. – Those of Norwegian heritage had plenty of locations in the F-M area in which to celebrate on Saturday.

That’s because it was what they refer to as Syttende mai, or the Seventeenth of May.

In English, you’d call it Constitution Day.

It’s the historical celebration of the Norwegian Constitution being signed back in 1814.

Many of the festivities were held at the Sons of Norway Kringen Lodge in Downtown Fargo.

They began with a Taste of Norway Luncheon, followed by a traditional children’s parade and then a festive program later in the evening.

Attendees said the great food was a key part of the day.

“We Norwegians love our Norwegian food. The lefse, rommegrot, other things,” explained Ron Bergen.

Meanwhile, Brewhalla was getting in on the Scandinavian fun.

The Unglued Craft Lounge set up stations to make fresh lefse.

At the same time, Drekker Brewing unleashed lingonberry-flavored brews and brought in Cows & Co. Creamery to create Vafler ice cream.

Brewhalla staff say those iconic flavors are always a hit with the Norwegian-loving crowd.

“I think just the overall Viking welcoming feeling that we have going on here just pairs really well with this type of day,” said Alex Deane, events coordinator for Brewhalla and Drekker.

Norway’s constitution is the third-oldest written constitution still in use worldwide.