Hipp Hipp Hurra!

Drizzly again today in Helsinki, and across the Nordic countries. In Norway, hopes are high for sunshine and warm weather. For today is the 17th of May – the National Day – and all across the country children are lining up to march in the parade and wave their flags. With a focus on music and children – young and old, citizens and immigrants – and not military or elected officials – the parade is a unique celebration of freedom, independence and patriotism. In other parts of the world, anyone with an ounce of Norwegian blood by birth, marriage or love of the country, will be celebrating. Hipp hipp hurra for Norge!