Celebrating National Day, originally uploaded by Ralph Grizzle.

Eurodam is in Oslo today. One week ago, I was in Norway’s capital city to attend events celebrating National Day, one of the most exciting – and colorful – national events I’ve ever witnessed. Care to see what you missed? I’ve posted a Flickr slideshow of last week’s events in Oslo.

Ah, but to be Norwegian, particularly on Norway’s National Day, which took place yesterday under sunny skies in Oslo. It’s hard to imagine any ceremony that could make a citizen more proud of his or her country. The whole city turned out. At least it seemed that way. Men, women and children wore national costumes as they paraded down Karl Johans Gate (Oslo’s main street) waving Norway’s flag and shouting in appreciation of their nation, “Hipp Hurra!”

I was one of the few fortunate enough to obtain special seats in front of the Royal Palace to watch as parade participants marched up Karl Johans Gate to the Royal Palace, where they were received by the Royal Family standing on the front balcony, waving to the crowd.

The event, marking the day in 1814 when Norway adopted its new Constitution, is celebrated across the nation.