Albania celebrated European Heritage Days this year with an exciting series of events, with around 50 venues across the country opening their doors to explore heritage and education. In addition to the common theme "Arts and Entertainment" the country introduced the local theme "Discover my History," to create an even more diverse heritage experience for its thousands of visitors.

From museum visits, historical centres and archaeological sites, through to workshops, exhibitions and competitions, visitors of the European Heritage Days in Albania discovered the cultural richness of the country and the way it translates into a broader, European context.

Aiming to bring heritage closer to all generations, especially the youngest, this year the country's largest heritage festival especially sought to organise events that promote heritage education. A special edition of the programme introduced aspects of European Heritage Days in other countries in Europe, providing a space for an immersive, broader experience.  

Coordinated by the Ministry of Culture, the festival offered valuable insights into the history of education, from being considered as a fixed construct, to evolving into a lifelong endeavour.

Programme Highlights 

A creative workshop inspired by the ethnography of the Berat county enabled participants to learn more about local history and interact with it using modern art techniques. Using old photos of traditional clothing, students recreated it through paintings, graphics and other art forms. The creative event served as an educational experience that provided an opportunity for younger generations to interact with their local heritage using their imagination and creativity. 

Another creative participatory activity for children included the promotion of Albanian and French art. The event featured children reciting poems and singing songs in Albanian and French and a screening of a short French film.
During a visit to a 15th-century fortress in Elbasan, French and Albanian students explored the rich history of the city and presented their impressions at an open lesson following the visit. 

The Durres Regional Directory of National Culture hosted a performance show at European Heritage Days that enabled young people from the region to showcase their talent. Students from high schools and the Aleksander Moisiu University of Durres presented a spectacular show to a broad audience at a public square.
 
The inspiring series of events at European Heritage Days in Albania once again brought the entire country together to celebrate shared values and learn about shared heritage. Offering a diverse heritage programme aimed at heritage education, the festival provided the visitors with new perspectives and interpretations of local and European heritage.