Saami National Day in Norway is celebrated on February 6th to honor the culture, history, and ongoing contributions of the Saami people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Sápmi region that spans across parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia.

History:

The date was chosen to commemorate the first Saami congress which took place in Trondheim, Norway, in 1917. This congress was significant because it was the first time that Norwegian and Swedish Saami came together across their national borders to discuss common issues.

Traditions:

On Saami National Day, various cultural events take place including:

• Flag Raising: The Saami flag is hoisted in many municipalities.
• Joik Performances: Joik is a traditional form of song in Sámi music.
• Cultural Displays: Exhibitions of Saami crafts (duodji), traditional clothing (gákti), and other cultural artifacts.
• Language Promotion: Efforts are made to promote and use the Saami languages during events.
• Political Assemblies: Meetings are held discussing current issues facing the Saami people.

What People Do:

People participate in:

• Parades: Featuring traditional clothing and sometimes reindeer processions.
• Feasts: Including traditional foods such as reindeer meat, fish dishes, and cloudberries.
• Concerts & Festivals: Showcasing traditional music and contemporary artists from the Saami community.
• Seminars & Workshops: Focused on Saami history, rights, and culture.

Saami National Day serves not only as a celebration but also as an important reminder of the rights of indigenous peoples and their unique position within Nordic societies. It's a day marked by pride in Saami heritage as well as advocacy for their rights and preservation of their way of life.