Norway Day, also known as Syttende Mai, is a national celebration that commemorates the signing of the country’s Constitution in Eidsvoll in 1814. This significant day marks the independence of both Norway and Denmark. The Sjømannskirken Association celebrated this important date in the South, a preferred location for Norwegians on the Islands.
For years, there has been a regular connection between the South airport and this Scandinavian country through the company Norwegian, which established a weekly flight. This connection has led to a sizable presence of Norwegian citizens in the area. Many Norwegians have chosen Tenerife as their winter residence, with official data confirming a total of 3,000 Norwegian residents on the Island.
The event included a march that began and concluded at Plaza de la Pescadora. The parade featured flags of the Canary Islands, Spain, and Norway, with the participation of the Arona Music Band. Notable personalities such as Sissel Eilertsen, manager of the Norwegian church in Tenerife; Toril Wulff, vice-consul of Norway in Tenerife; Mayor Fátima Lemes of Arona; and Councilor for Culture, Javier Alexis Baute, were also in attendance.
Following a route through the main streets of Los Cristianos, the participants gathered at the Sjømannskirken association premises for a celebratory event marking the anniversary.
After 400 years under Danish rule, Norway, in alliance with France following the Napoleonic Wars, was ceded to Sweden by Denmark in the Treaty of Kiel in 1814. Subsequently, a group of Norwegian representatives met at Eidsvoll to draft the Norwegian Constitution, signed on May 17, 1814, officially declaring Norway an independent kingdom. Though entering a union with Sweden, Norway maintained autonomy with its own constitution. The union with Sweden continued until 1905 when Norway gained full independence.
“Freedom, equality, and brotherhood were the cries when the Norwegian Constitution was signed,” quoted the vice consul. Wulff expressed gratitude to the Arona band and the City Council for their support over the 14 years of celebrating the festival in Los Cristianos. Sissel, manager of the Norwegian Church in Tenerife, remarked, “Norwegian people are deeply patriotic and have a strong sense of national pride. The atmosphere in the streets during celebrations is truly remarkable.”
