Photo credits: dekd.sk , Workshop, tvorivé dielne in Slovakia

Estonia: 28th September – 1st October

This year’s Estonian Heritage Protection Days – Muinsuskaitsepäevade – is taking part in the shared Living Heritage theme. The programme will be drawing attention to practices, knowledge, skills and customs of both the past and present and recognising the people and communities which practice and pass on their heritage, as well as the cultural diversity and creativity of the country’s intangible heritage.

Around 100 events will take place across the Thursday to Sunday schedule, including many offered free of charge. Activities will be covering range of topics including workshops to learn traditional skills such as carpet restoration, an interactive game to discover medieval food culture, and a chance to learn more about music heritage with a discussion and guided tour of the Instrument Museum in Rõngu. On the final day, visitors are invited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Heritage Protection Board with a series of activities in Tallinn, including a chance to look around their historic offices or take part in a virtual shipwreck dive.

muinsuskaitsepaevad.ee

Malta: 6th – 8th October

In Malta, European Heritage Days – Jiem Ewropej tal-Wirt – is joining in with the Living Heritage theme. The weekend is nationally coordinated by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, with the collaboration of a number of stakeholders creating a programme of events exploring a wide variety of heritage domains including music, food, nature, architecture and archaeology which will reflect Malta’s almost 8,000 years of continuous habitation.

Events will be taking place across the country; public gardens will be the setting for celebrations in Floriana, where re-enactments, live music and craft markets will be exploring the area’s heritage, while on Gozo there will be live demonstrations of trades such as weaving and lace making as well as traditional games for children. In Valletta, visitors can explore the city’s landmarks and history from the perspective of the LGBTQ+ community on a walking tour, or enjoy the unique flavours and culture of Maltese gastronomy at the Valletta Local Food Festival which will bring together manufacturers, chefs and food enthusiasts to appreciate the art of food.

europeanheritagedays.com/country/Malta

 Slovakia: 1st – 30th September

This year’s European Cultural Heritage Days – Dni európskeho kultúrneho dedičstva – in Slovakia is inspired by the shared theme with the motto ‘Live the Legacy!’ The theme recognises the contribution of intangible heritage in building identity and continuity, with organisers encouraged to explore elements of change, cultural diversity and creativity. Events are being run by a variety of organisations including local government, charities, schools and cultural institutions, with overall coordination by ICOMOS Slovakia and the Association of Historic Towns and Municipalities of Slovakia.  

Over 200 events registered this year, including exhibitions, presentations and artistic performances. Events still to come include a ceramic workshop in Nitra focusing on the production of lamps and candlesticks, a Hungarian folk storytelling session for children at the Library of Matej Hrebenda, and the International Festival of Lace in Rožňava exploring the cultural heritage of beaded lace of the Gemer region. The closing ceremony will take place in October in Banská Štiavnica with an overview of this year’s highlights and a handover to the city hosting the 2024 opening ceremony.

dekd.sk

Croatia: September – October

Coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, Living Heritage is being explored during Croatia’s European Heritage Days – Dani europske baštine. The anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the 200 intangible cultural assets on the Register of Cultural Property of the Republic of Croatia and the 21 elements listed by UNESCO. The theme will be looking at places and objects, as well as customs and events from the perspective of collective memory, identity and community. The theme is also particularly emphasising the role of people who care for and preserve traditional knowledge and skills for future generations.

The programme is coordinated by The Ministry of Culture and Media. Events have been running across September and some will continue until the end of October. Event details can be found in the online brochure, including an upcoming talk about the skills and knowledge of lavender growing in Zagreb, a workshop and exhibition about traditional straw weaving in Novo Čiče, and an evening featuring over 70 performers showcasing folk dances and songs in Dubrovnik.

europeanheritagedays.com/country/Croatia

Serbia: 15th September – October

Living Heritage is the theme for this year’s European Heritage Days – Дани европске баштине – in Serbia. The theme will enable visitors to take a closer look at the work of heritage guardians and the skills, trades and professions involved in preserving this knowledge for the future, as well as highlighting the importance of intangible heritage in building resilient and inclusive societies.

The event is coordinated by the Ministry of Culture, although dates vary by municipality. Events have been running since mid-September with more planned to continue into October. Amongst those events still to come, the Museum of Vojvodina in Novi Sad is holding workshops to teach children to play traditional board games and learn embroidery handiwork techniques inspired by the designs of traditional textiles. In Lazarevac, a Serbian wine festival and cake making competition will be exploring culinary heritage, while equestrian traditions and horse riding will be showcased in Boljevci.

kultura.gov.rs