verlof in mei

May 1st - a public holiday in Norway
Throughout the month of May, Norwegians are privileged with a number of "extra" days off. It begins with Tuesday May 1st being Labour Day.

The day begins with the hoisting of the flag at the town square or other public spot, followed by parades and speeches, often by prominent Labour Party politicians, and with placing a wreath at a war memorial or another monument.

The next "May Day" is May 17th, which of course is Norway's Birthday, our Independence Day, with more and larger parades, and more and longer speeches, and games and competitions for the children.

This year, Ascension Day happens to fall on May 17th as well, otherwise this would have been an extra day, as it is a public as well as a religious holiday.

And with May 17th being Thursday, there is no hiding that a number of Norwegians find it most natural to take a day of vacation on Friday, in order to make it an extra long weekend, - again.

And then there is Second Day of Pentecost, which this year comes on Monday May 28th.

As you see,- many days to enjoy the coming of the beautiful Norwegian spring.

(The Norway Post - Published 01.05.2007)

Uw meikever,
Geert