Norway’s russ celebrations delayed as exams take priority

Norwegian high school graduates will have to wait until after their final exams to begin their traditional russ celebrations, marking the first time the festivities have been postponed beyond the May 17 Constitution Day holiday, Dagbladet reports.

The change follows a government decision to move written exams to an earlier date, ensuring students focus on academics before the month-long russ period—known for its boisterous parties, pranks, and distinctive red or blue overalls—begins on May 13. Previously, russ celebrations overlapped with exam preparations, but this year’s shift has left streets, parks, and roundabouts unusually quiet.

Anna Magdalena Mosby, 18, russ president at Lillesand Upper Secondary School in Agder, admitted initial skepticism but said most students now support the change. “No one wants to do poorly on exams,” she told Dagbladet. “When exams were moved before May 17, we realized combining both would be too stressful. Now we’ll celebrate after we’re done—with better weather and no exam pressure.”

Her counterpart in Vestland county, russ president Anna Dybvadskog, echoed the sentiment, calling the adjustment “more logical.” Schools have also introduced new rules, such as banning russ overalls until the official start date. “Before, the celebration felt premature,” Dybvadskog said. “Now we can actually enjoy being done.”

Education Minister Kari Nessa Nordtun (Labour Party) defended the policy, citing concerns over the russ tradition’s “negative development” in recent years. “We want students to concentrate on exams after 13 years of school,” she stated. “The party can come after the test.”

Both presidents promised an active russ season once it begins, with Mosby noting her all-female russ bus group, Magakhan, is eager to celebrate—“just later, and with sunnier skies.”