Norway celebrates 4th of July

The parade in Kvinesdal is festive and colorful. Photo: norway.usembassy.gov.

In late June and early July, Independence Day is celebrated in several locations in Southern Norway. 

The American Festival in Lista takes place every June. Lista is unusual in not only sending many emigrants to Brooklyn, but also in having them return and bring back examples of American culture, which were then integrated into the Lista way of life. The event includes a street parade of American cars, an Elvis impersonator, and blues music as well as an art contest depicting American themes from school classes in the region.  

Thousand Americans and Norwegian friends gather in Frognerparken in Oslo to commemorate the U.S. Declaration of Independence with a day of music and American food. Children’s games, and activities such as line dancing, softball and a children’s watermelon eating contest were part of the festivities. A blue grass band set the mood and guests enjoyed ribs, hamburgers, hotdogs and burritos, and booths showing American cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles. The event is organized by the American Coordinating Council of Norway (ACCN).  

The annual Kvinesdal Emigration Festival is arranged in order to celebrate the close ties between Southern Norway and the U.S. In addition to the more well-known 19th century emigration when 1/4 of the Norwegian population went to the Mid-West, half of the population of 6 Southern Norway villages left for the U.S. in the 20th century. Most of them settled in Brooklyn after World War II and then returned to Norway in the 1970s. Even today, the population includes 10% American citizens. The celebration includes parades, a fashion show of American clothes from the 50s and 60s, old American cars, a mock election and music. The first Emigrant Festival in Kvinesdal took place during the summer of 1989.

Source: norway.usembassy.gov