The streets of Bay Ridge were awash with bunads — the traditional national costume of Norway — on Sunday as thousands gathered for the 73rd Annual Norwegian Day Parade. The storied march honors Norway’s Constitution Day and the enduring cultural ties between the country and the United States.

Despite a grim forecast, spectators lined a sunny parade route, waving Norwegian and American flags as bands, community organizations, churches, families and cultural groups took part in the annual tradition.

This year’s theme, “Our Legacy Continues,” reflected the parade’s longstanding mission of preserving Norwegian heritage and celebrating the ideals of independence and freedom embodied by Norway’s Constitution Day.

General Chair Arlene Bakke Rutuelo poses with Miss Norway of Greater New York 2026 Olivia Riise Kongevold and Miss Heritage 2026 Baylyn Shankman during Sunday’s 73rd Annual Norwegian Day Parade in Bay Ridge.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta Young parade-goers dressed in traditional bunads.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta

The parade has long reflected the neighborhood’s deep Norwegian roots. Historically considered the center of New York City’s Norwegian population, Bay Ridge was once nicknamed the “fourth largest city in Norway” during the height of Scandinavian immigration in the 1940s.

Organizers said the event highlighted the continued strength of Norwegian traditions and the importance of passing those customs on to future generations.

“As President of the Norwegian Day Parade, I am grateful to report that this year’s parade was an incredible success,” General Chair Arlene Bakke Rutuelo told Brooklyn Paper. “Thousands of participants marched through Bay Ridge in celebration of Norway’s Constitution Day on May 17th, honoring the rich heritage and lasting friendship between Norway and the United States.”

Rutuelo said this year’s celebration drew especially strong community participation because the parade coincided with Norway’s official Constitution Day.

“With May 17th falling on the actual Constitution Day this year, we saw an even greater turnout from the community, families, organizations, and visitors who came together in a joyful display of culture, music, flags and fellowship,” she said. “We are deeply thankful to all of our dedicated volunteers, parade participants, sponsors, churches, and supporters who made the day possible.”

Marchers filled Third Avenue during Brooklyn’s annual 17th of May Parade celebrating Norwegian heritage and culture.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta Multiple generations of families gathered along the parade route in Bay Ridge on Sunday, as longtime community members and young spectators alike celebrated Norwegian heritage during the annual 17th of May Parade.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta

Rutuelo gave a special shoutout to the New York City Police Department “for their outstanding support and assistance in helping ensure a safe and successful celebration for all.”

Among those who marched in this year’s parade were Miss Norway of Greater New York 2026 Olivia Riise Kongevold and Miss Heritage 2026 Baylyn Shankman, who joined participants after earning their titles earlier this spring. The Miss Norway of Greater New York Pageant, now in its 67th year, returned in March after a one-year hiatus. It serves as a lead-up to Bay Ridge’s annual 17th of May celebration.

Kongevold previously told Brooklyn Paper that traditions like the parade and pageant play an important role in keeping Norwegian heritage alive for younger generations.

“Being Miss Norway and traveling to Norway gave me a new appreciation for where my roots are from,” Kongevold said. “That’s what this competition is all about — celebrating each other, our heritage, strength and girlhood, and being able to represent something that is bigger than ourselves.”

Local officials and parade supporters gathered outside The Salty Dog, the parade’s headquarters.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta Parade-goers dressed in traditional Norwegian bunads march through Bay Ridge during the 73rd Annual Norwegian Day Parade on Sunday.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta Parade-goers dressed in traditional Norwegian bunads march through Bay Ridge during the 73rd Annual Norwegian Day Parade on Sunday.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta Spectators enjoyed sunny skies as bands, cultural groups and community organizations made their way through Bay Ridge.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta Norwegian and American flags lined the streets of Bay Ridge as thousands gathered to celebrate Norway’s Constitution Day.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta The 73rd Annual Norwegian Day Parade celebrated the enduring ties between Norway and the United States.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta The 73rd Annual Norwegian Day Parade celebrated the enduring ties between Norway and the United States.Photo by Arthur de Gaeta