This day is celebrated in Norway with parades of dressed-up children and adults carrying flags and singing. Some predominantly Norwegian cities in America also choose to celebrate Syttende Mai, including Spring Grove and Hanska, Minnesota. Folk dancing and music, ethnic clothing, and arts and crafts are often apart of these American celebrations. St. Hans Aften is celebrated in Norway every June on the longest day of the year. On this day, barbeques are held featuring games and lotteries.
Bonfires are also a main part of the observance.
These fires date back to pagan days, and some superstitions surrounding them state that the bonfires will protect people from evil spirits and witches. In many Norwegian homes, the observance of Christmas begins on the evening of December 23. It is traditional to decorate these trees with handmade Christmas baskets. These baskets are made out of red and green paper that is weaved together and then filled with fruits, candy, and nuts. The next day is Christmas Eve, and the children of Norway often get up early and wait for the special Christmas programs to start on their televisions.