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Get ready to celebrate the Norwegian monarch on King Harald V's Day, which falls on February 21! This day is dedicated to honoring King Harald V, who has been the reigning king of Norway since 1991. He is known for his commitment to public service and his love for sports, especially sailing. In fact, he competed in multiple Olympic Games as a sailor before taking the throne. On this day, Norwegians come together to celebrate their king and reflect on his contributions to their country. It's a day filled with pride, joy, and admiration for a beloved leader.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1937</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Prince Harald</div><div class='timeline-text'>On February 21, Prince Harald of Norway was born to Crown Prince Olav and Princess Märtha of Sweden.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1957</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Designated Crown Prince</div><div class='timeline-text'>Prince Harald becomes the Crown Prince of Norway following the death of his grandfather, King Haakon VII, and the ascension of his father, King Olav V.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1968</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Marries Sonja Haraldsen</div><div class='timeline-text'>Crown Prince Harald marries Sonja Haraldsen, a commoner, marking a significant change in royal marriage tradition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Ascends the Throne</div><div class='timeline-text'>Following the death of King Olav V, Harald is crowned as King Harald V of Norway, maintaining the country's constitutional monarchy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1995</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First King's Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first official observance of King Harald V’s Day, a holiday that highlights Norway’s continued preference for a monarchy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2022</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>85th Birthday Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Norwegians commemorate King Harald V’s 85th birthday on King Harald V's Day.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local event listings to see if there is a parade honoring King Harald V on his special day. It's a great way to celebrate and show your support for the royal family.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a museum or exhibit about the King</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the opportunity to learn more about King Harald V by visiting a museum or exhibit dedicated to him. You may discover new facts and stories about his life and reign.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a traditional Norwegian meal</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate like a true Norwegian by cooking up some traditional dishes such as smoked salmon, meatballs, or lefse in honor of King Harald V's heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Raise a flag</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for King Harald V and Norway by raising a Norwegian flag outside your home or workplace. It's a simple yet meaningful way to celebrate his special day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a documentary or film about the King</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and family and watch a documentary or film about King Harald V. It's a great way to learn more about his life and accomplishments while spending quality time together.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of culture and heritage</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>King Harald V's Day is an important holiday in Norway that celebrates the country's culture and history. It's a great opportunity to learn more about Norwegian traditions, customs, and way of life, and to show appreciation for their rich heritage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On this day, people from all over Norway come together to celebrate and enjoy festivities. It's a time for friends and family to gather, share food, stories, and create memories. The sense of community and belonging is one of the best things about King Harald V's Day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors a beloved king</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Last but not least, King Harald V's Day is a celebration of the reigning monarch in Norway. It's a day to honor and show gratitude for his leadership and service to the country. It's also an opportunity to reflect on the royal family's impact and contributions to Norway.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Norway is Known for Its Breathtaking Fjords</h3><p class='facts-content'>A defining feature of Norway's landscape, fjords are deep inlets of sea between cliffs or steep slopes. These natural wonders, like the Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord, attract visitors from around the world.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It is One of the Richest Countries in the World</h3><p class='facts-content'>Norway boasts a high standard of living, and its wealth is largely driven by oil and gas reserves from the North Sea.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Norway Invented Skiing</h3><p class='facts-content'>The word "ski" comes from the Old Norse word skíð which means "piece of wood". Skiing for sport has been practiced in Norway for at least 6,000 years.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Norway Prioritizes Happiness</h3><p class='facts-content'>Norway consistently ranks high in the World Happiness Report, a testament to its healthy work-life balance, robust healthcare, and a strong sense of community.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It is a World Leader in Environmental Sustainability</h3><p class='facts-content'>Norway places significant importance on preserving the environment and sustainability. It's one of the few countries that meets the UN's target for development assistance.</p></div></div>
King Harald V's Day is celebrated on February 21 every year. In 2024, King Harald V's Day will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
Feb 21
Tuesday
2024
Feb 21
Wednesday
2025
Feb 21
Friday
2026
Feb 21
Saturday
2027
Feb 21
Sunday
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