Norway’s National Day, or Grunnlovsdagen, is celebrated every year on 17 May. It dates back to 1814 when Norway’s Constitution was signed, declaring Norway an independent kingdom.

In Norway, men, women and children celebrate their national holiday wearing traditional, colourful wool outfits, called bunad. This year’s celebrations in Oslo took place under cool and slightly rainy skies.

Yesterday, 4000 kilometers south of Oslo, off the sunny and more tropical shores of Morocco, National Day celebrations took place on board the Nansen.

The Norwegian crew and Norwegian and Moroccan scientists aboard the marine research vessel enjoyed the first national Norwegian celebrations held on the new vessel, albeit without the heavy woollen traditional outfits and with far more sunshine than what was found that day in the homeland celebrations.

The Nansen celebrations mirrored Norwegian traditions, with lots of Norwegian flags and a makeshift parade around the ship.

Cruise leader Reidar Toreson of Norway’s Institute of Marine Research made the celebratory speech to the gathering.

Celebrations continued in the new vessel’s attractive and Scandinavian-inspired mess hall, where Chief Steward Robert cooked up a Norwegian feast, in keeping with what provisions would allow for on such long-haul voyages. Perhaps Norwegian-Moroccan fusion dishes might be an option for future celebrations?

All in all, an excellent opportunity for cross-cultural celebrations, and the Moroccan and Norwegian scientists enjoyed celebrating this Nordic holiday together under the bright sun and drizzle-free blue skies of Northwestern Africa.

A very happy Grunnlovsdagen to the entire crew and Nansen scientists. Best wishes, too, to the Nansen on its first celebration of 17 May, and wishing it a long life of many future celebrations on the horizon!