President Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated King Harald V of Norway and the people of this country on the national holiday – Constitution Day, the “Neutral Turkmenistan” newspaper reports today.

On the occasion of the national holiday the President of Turkmenistan wished the royal family and all residents of Norway good health and happiness, as well as peace, further progress and prosperity.

The national holiday Constitution Day of Norway celebrated on May 17 on an annual basis. It coincides with the Independence Day of the country and is a day off.

On May 17, 1814, the Constituent Assembly in Eidsvoll adopted the Constitution and proclaimed the independence of Norway.

The first celebration of Constitution Day happened on May 17, 1836. The first children’s parade was organized in honor of the holiday in 1870, and since 1906, the royal family has been located on the balcony of the Royal Palace in Oslo to greet passing processions.

The traditions of the celebration are still preserved to this day. Annually on May 17 the Norwegian schoolchildren, dressed in national clothes and carrying flags, hold festive processions. Parades are often accompanied by school bands.

After the children, the procession is joined by the adults: representatives of political, sports, religious and other organizations. At the end of the official part, the celebration continues either in the family circle or in mass festivities that continue until late at night.