May 17 is Norway’s Constitution Day, an annual holiday where Norwegians celebrate the signing of the constitution declaring Norway an independent kingdom in 1814.



It’s known as a day of national celebration, and children’s parades take place across the country. The elementary schools and their marching bands walk through their respective communities and in the capital, Oslo the parade stops at the Royal Palace where the royal family greet the crowds from their balcony.

Norwegian royal family waving from their balcomy Photograph: Tom Stevens/GuardianWitness

Constitution Day is celebrated amongst the Norwegian diaspora across the world. Many Norwegian immigrant communities in the United States and Canada organise festivities for the day. There are also celebrations in London with the Norwegian community holding their annual celebration in Southwark Park.

Are you taking part in the celebrations on the 17 May this year? Have you ever visited Norway and taken part in the festivities? We’d like find out what makes Norway unique. What are your favourite Norwegian customs?

Whether you are a Norwegian who’s celebrating 17 May in your homeland, or in one of the many Norwegian communities throughout the world, or someone who has fond memories of traveling around the country exploring its identity and customs, we’d like to see you photos and experiences. We will use the most interesting contributions on the site.

You can share your Norway photos and stories by clicking on the blue ‘Contribute’ button on this article. You can also use the GuardianWitness smartphone app or the Guardian app and search for ‘GuardianWitness assignments.’ If you’d like to share your photo via Instagram, you can do so by using #GuardianWitness

