Uniquely NYC
Norwegian Day Parade
The annual Norwegian Day Parade is held in the Bay Ridge section of
Brooklyn on the Sunday closest to May 17-the Constitution Day of Norway.
On that day in 1814, the Norwegian Constitution - the second oldest
democratic constitution in the world continually in force since its
creation -; was signed. This document was greatly inspired by the
constitutions of France and the United States and established Norway as
a country in its own rights, independent from Swedish crown.
The Norwegian Parade marches from 89th Street along Fifth Avenue, rain
or shine, to the grandstand of Leif Ericson Park on 67th Street, where
the Viking Fest ceremonies are held. Around 10,000 participants march
before a crowd of over 100,000 spectators. It is an opportunity for
people to celebrate their Norwegian heritage and get together with
friends and family. Even people who previously lived in Bay Ridge or
Brooklyn, come back for the parade in order to see old friends and the
neighborhood. The parade is usually led by a guest band from Norway,
followed by a number of local bands, wearing traditional costumes and
playing Norwegian music. Of course, a number of Viking longboat floats
with dragon heads, representing the great sea serpent J�rmungandr, are
not to be left out of the picture.
The parade was much bigger back in the 1950s, when nearly 60,000
Norwegians and many other Scandinavians lived and worked in the
neighborhood. Crowds would line up on Eighth Avenue and Fort Hamilton
Parkway -; the old route - to watch the Parade. New York State Governors
and other politicians were regular attendees; even the Norwegian
monarchy has made an appearance in previous years.
There was a time when Norwegian was among the most frequently heard
foreign languages in Bay Ridge. Eighth Avenue was formerly the main
street of "Little Norway" and was colloquially called Lapskaus Boulevard
after a traditional stew. More recently, the parade is a much smaller
affair on Fifth Avenue, as many Scandinavians have moved to Staten
Island, New Jersey, Long Island and communities further away.However,
for those attending, it continues to be a great cultural experience.