17th of May in Murmansk
Murmansk is celebrating the most important holiday in Norway - Constitution Day, the calendar says it is the 17th of May. On this day Murmansk becomes just like Norway.
Traditionally, Norwegian citizens along with Norway-related Murmansk inhabitants take part in a festive parade going from the centre of the city up to the Norwegian Consulate. Some people are wearing national costumes and wave Norwegian flags in the air.
The parade was accompanied by the national Norwegian music performed by student orchestra from Murmansk College of Art under the baton of the Norwegian conductor.
At the Norwegian Consulate participants were greeted by the consul and his family, all standing in bright bunads. The consul congratulated everyone on this special occasion and offered to sing national hymn "Ja, vi elsker dette landet".
Afterwards people were invited for the festive reception in the Consulate.