According to Morgenavisen, the main procession in the liberation year of 1945 had more than 30,000 participants. It took 45 minutes to leave Festplassen.
Archive article from 2025, marking 80 years since the liberation celebrations of 1945.
In May 1945, the joy was indescribable: the war was over and Norway was free once more. Of course, 17 May had to be celebrated! On 8 May 1945, the 17 May Committee from 1939 was therefore asked to organise the festivities.
Rain early on 17 May did not stop anyone from taking part. Morgenavisen estimated that the procession had more than 30,000 participants, and it took 45 minutes for everyone to leave Festplassen.
Military uniforms dominated the procession. Returning soldiers and resistance forces formed a large contingent under banners including Bjørn West, Mil.org and Hjemmefronten. Other groups made their mark too: everyone from liberated prisoners of war to Bergen’s buekorps youth brigades took part.
Nearly thirty speakers took to the Viking ship platform with something to say. They spoke for freedom and the homeland, peace, democracy, the King, the government, the church, the family and other causes close to their hearts. That year also introduced a new regular speech: a tribute to those who had fallen.
For many children, the most popular part of the day was provided by Danskehjelpen, the Danish relief organisation. Each participant in the children’s flag parade received a voucher that could be exchanged at Nygård school for a genuine skillingsbolle — Bergen’s much-loved cinnamon bun!
In the years after the war, a huge 17 May celebration became a matter of course, with tremendous support whatever the weather. People filled every space. What stands out is the unifying power of Constitution Day and its continuity: the same rituals return year after year, while still leaving room for variations, curiosities and diversity.
People were everywhere when the main procession took place on 17 May 1945. This photograph shows Torgallmenningen. Photo: Rolf Norvin. Source: Marcus, Picture Collection, Special Collections, University of Bergen Library.
Former prisoners held in Germany received an exceptionally warm welcome in the main procession on 17 May 1945. Photo: Rolf Norvin. Source: Marcus, Picture Collection, Special Collections, University of Bergen Library.
Happy children celebrate 17 May 1945 on top of a German bunker on Ole Bulls plass. Photo: Leon Berge. Source: Marcus, Picture Collection, Special Collections, University of Bergen Library.