Guovdageaidnu / Kautokeino Local Customs

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by SMILLA76
 
  • People waiting for the race with their ledges
      People waiting for the race with their...
    by SMILLA76
  • Reindeer race
      Reindeer race
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Most Recent Local Customs in Guovdageaidnu / Kautokeino

Norwegian national day
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gardesque 85 reviews

While the Norwegian national day might not be the most popular day in Sápmi (it is, after all, a symbol of their oppression), a number of people still celebrate the day in a half-Norwegian half-Sámi way. This means that you get to see a traditional Norwegian style parade from the Church, across the river, up the hinn, ending at Baktaharji, the sports centre. Here, you get traditional Sámi festivity food (Bidus) rather than the traditional Norwegian porridge. And while this day is celebrated in Norwegian areas largely with fine dresses, the Norwegian Bunad (traditional costume) and Norwegian flags, in Kautokeion, this is suplemented by Sámi Kofte (traditional costume, which is still worn every day by many Sámis), finely decorated Kofte (for celebrations) and people in jeans, shorts, and whatnot. So unlike "the south", it doesn't REALLY matter what you wear. And unlike Oslo, waving with a Sámi flag is also allowed.

Written Jul 17, 2005

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Greetings!
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gardesque 85 reviews

People in Kautokeino are very friendly. Sitting down in the local pub, some might just walk over to you and say "Bures" before asking you about where you're from and becoming your best friend ever.

The word "Bures" sounds like the Russian name "Boris", but it actually means "Good day" and is said when shaking hands. The proper response is "Bures bures!"

"Good day" without shaking hands is "Buorre beaivvi."
"Good morning" is "Buorre iðit."
"Good evening" is "Buorre eahket."
"Good night." is "Buorre idja"

And finally, to quote a Sámi, "down south, people shake hands every time they meet. Strange people."

Updated Jul 17, 2005

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Easter Reindeer Race
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SMILLA76 91 reviews
People waiting for the race with their ledges
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It's a 'must see'. Among other things you can admire the gakti (traditional costume) of the Sami from various areas and buy reindeer products in the small market.
Local knowledge: the wildest reindeers prove to be the best in races.
In the spring of 2005, the entrance was 65 NOK.
The racing area is quite a distance from the centre, so it's best to get a ride by car.

Updated Apr 18, 2005

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