In 98 CE, the Roman historian Tacitus offered one of the earliest written glimpses into the peoples of Northern Europe in his work Germania. Though he did not name Norwegians, many of the tribes he described are believed to be the ancestors of the early Scandinavian peoples. Tacitus admired their strength, independence, and integrity—calling them “fierce, hardy, and free.” These traits, shaped by rugged landscapes and close-knit communities, formed cultural values that would echo through the centuries.
More than 1,700 years later, these values found modern expression in the Norwegian Constitution, adopted on May 17, 1814, at Eidsvoll. It emerged in the wake of the Napoleonic Wars and centuries of Danish rule, marking Norway’s determination to shape its own future. Although a union with Sweden soon followed, the constitution endured, becoming the cornerstone of national identity. Today, it remains one of the oldest constitutions still in force anywhere in the world, a powerful symbol of liberty, democracy, and self-governance.
Norwegians celebrate this landmark annually on Constitution Day (Syttende Mai), a national holiday rich in meaning and festivity. What makes this celebration remarkable is its deep cross- generational relevance: children lead parades, families wear traditional dress (bunads), communities gather for songs, flags, cakes—and ice cream. Rather than focusing on military power, May 17 is a day of joyful unity, where citizens of all ages come together to honour freedom and shared values.
At NWAMI International Malta, we see Norway not just as a nation with a proud constitutional heritage, but as a partner in promoting civil society, intercultural understanding, and democratic values. Through the Active Citizens Fund, Norway has played a vital role in supporting some of our most impactful initiatives. Notably, the Fund co-financed Project SMITE, one of NWAMI Malta’s most successful campaigns addressing hate speech and fostering social inclusion. In addition, Norwegian support enabled NWAMI representatives to participate in the Oslo Freedom Forum, further strengthening our dialogue around human rights and active citizenship.
In this sense, Norway’s Constitution Day is more than a national holiday—it’s a living embodiment of cultural resilience, historical continuity, and international cooperation. From Tacitus’s early reflections on northern tribes to modern global partnerships, the Norwegian story is one of enduring identity and inclusive progress.
As we honour our Norwegian friends on this day, we also celebrate the values which we share: freedom, dignity, and the power of culture to build bridges across generations and across borders.
Gratulerer med dagen!