WHAT IS SYTTENDE MAI?

Brace yourself for a celebration like no other! In Stoughton, WI, Syttende Mai is a Norwegian holiday filled with everything that makes life sweet: parades, music, cream puffs, and cheese curds. A lot of cheese curds! But what is Syttende Mai, you ask? It's Norway's Constitution Day!

On May 17th, 1814, Norway signed the Constitution, claiming independence. Although Norway was not fully independent from Sweden's Union until the 1900s, they stuck with May 17th to commemorate the idea of independence, thus bringing Syttende Mai. The name, Syttende Mai, may sound intimidating, but it is simply Norwegian for the Seventeenth of May.

Amongst Norwegians, Syttende Mai is celebrated by parades, marching bands, flags, bundas (Norwegian clothes), tasty Norwegian food, and much more! In fact, on this particular day, local stores and other businesses shut down on May 17th for everyone to enjoy the festivities in Norway. But don't fret; you don't have to travel to Norway to celebrate Syttende Mai. Luckily, you can celebrate it in the small town of Stoughton, WI! Visitors and locals celebrate a three-day festival for Stoughton's Norwegian heritage and culture on the weekend closest to May 17th. This 2023 season, Stoughton's Syttende Mai Norwegian Heritage Festival will be from Friday, May 19th through Sunday, May 21st.

Stoughton's Norwegian Heritage Festival has numerous activities, festivities, and memories to be made. From canoe races, parades, a craft fair, a 20-mile run, and rosemaling, there's something for everyone. In addition, there's mouthwatering food along Main Street, such as some brats, cream puffs, cheese curds, and many other goods to eat all weekend! The Viking Brew Pub even serves delicious Norwegian Meatballs! Be sure to come along and join the fun in celebrating Syttende Mai at Stoughton's Norwegian Parade on Sunday, May 21st, 2023, where Dread Skeeter will make an appearance too! Take advantage of all the weekend festivities in Stoughton!

The fun doesn't have to stop there either - check out the Livershire Museum to learn even more about Norwegian culture and how Stoughton embraces its Norwegian heritage! And if those pesky mosquitoes start buzzing around on your parade, check out our 7 T's of Mosquito Control for some helpful tips!