Syttende Mai Archives - KVRR Local News

Syttende Mai Celebrations Return To Kringen Lodge

Syttende Mai Celebrations Return to Sons of Norway

Norway's Constitution Day falling on a Sunday meant there were plenty of folks free to celebrate the occasion.

May 17, 2026

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Joyous music filled the gathering space at the Kringen Lodge on May 17th, colloquially known as Syttende Mai. It’s also known as Constitution Day – and with that document’s signing taking place way back in 1814, Norway’s constitution is the third oldest written constitution still in use. In Norway, large parades often take place, and the…

Sons of Norway Showcases Scandinavian Dance

Event organizers say the whole concept came about due to a desire to use antique bunads the Sons had in storage.

April 12, 2026

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The Sons of Norway in Fargo are always focused on maintaining traditions from their Scandinavian heritage. This weekend, they held an event for one particular Norwegian activity: dance. The “Keeping Culture Alive! Nordic Dance and Supper” took place on April 11. First, there was an all-ages dance workshop hosted by the Gasper School of Dance, where…

Happy Syttende Mai!

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

May 17, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

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…

Sons of Norway Host Annual Syttende Mai Celebration

May 17, 2023

Site Staff,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – It’s springtime in the area and that calls for the annual Syttende Mai celebration. Syttende Mai is a Norwegian holiday that takes place every year on the weekend closest to May 17th. “So every year we’ve got Syttende Mai, May 17th, and we are celebrating the constitution of Norway and we all celebrate with our costumes…

Norwegian patriotism on display during Syttende Mai

May 17, 2022

Site Staff,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Grab some lutefisk and lefse as it’s Syttende Mai. It’s celebrated for the signing of Norway’s constitution on May 17th, 1814. It made the country an independent kingdom to try and avoid being ceded to Sweden after Denmark-Norway’s defeat in the Napoleonic Wars. Fargo’s Sons of Norway celebrated Constitution Day with a feast including aquavit flights,…