Bodø Local Customs

PELLE - Norway's cutest and most famous police-car!
All children in Norway knows Pelle Politibil, the talking police-car (sssh, it's a secret that he can speak..) from TV and children's books- and it's always popular to meet him in "person."
When Pelle isn't visiting children elsewhere, he can be seen outside the local police station.

In really warm summer days the "Rådhusbasseng" - the outdoor pool in front of the town hall is a gathering point for small children playing in the water and climbing the stone walrus.
The pool is always filled with water in summer, but too often the weather doesn't invite to bathing.

The Culture building of Bodø, where many concerts and other cultural events take place. The architecture made a certain attention when it was raised in the 60-ies, with its accordeon-like design.
The building was originally used as a primary school, and still serve as one. The backyard of the building serve as playground for the children during daytime, while the front facilities and the two interior concert halls serve cultural purposes. An unusual combination, but it works! And the kids have a short way to go for their school concerts.

Bodø has an active and vibrant church musical environment, and this years Organ festival (April 20 - 27) is the second in a row.
There will be masterclasses, concerts and lectures during these days.

In 2002 Rønvik church got a new exciting 23 stops Ryde&Berg organ, and during May 2003 the lovely medieval Bodin church will have its new North-German baroque organ (Arp Schnitger copy) by Führer/ Heiko Lorenz.

If you happen to be around on a 17th of May, the celebration of the National day is quite a spectacular event.
The childrens' procession in the morning
with national costumes, little Norwegian flags, toy flutes, brass bands, happy smiling faces and lots of ice cream is a beautiful experience. Everyone is outside watching along the street.
Later in the afternoon there will be another procession for grown-ups with all kinds of organizations (sport clubs, choirs...) represented, lots of show and fun and the red-dressed high-school graduates (russ) putting even more colour to the day.

The people of Bodo are known to be cheerful, pleasant,
straight to the point, and very hospitable.
They enjoy entertaining guests,and is difficult for them to hide ther pride when they take visitors to the
Saltstraumen Expirience, to Kjerringoy Old Tading
Post, to the Norwegian Aviation Museum or to the many
other sights and attractions found in the Bodo area.