European Heritage Days in the Czech Republic have been the source of great inspiration, amusement, and cultural enlightenment throughout the years. For the 2018 edition, local heritage communities across the country have organised over 100 events in 14 regions that traditionally take part in the yearly celebrations.

Since 2018 marks the double milestone for the Czech Republic, the organisers are promising a season full of history-inspired events. Ranging from sports and children’s games to spiritrual music performances, 2018 EHD events in the Czech Republic promise to uphold the tradition of remarkable success in cultural, historical, and natural heritage promotion. 

The national opening will take place in Havlíčkův Brod on 8 September, marking the start of a diverse cross-country programme.

Event Highlights

Photo: Jindřichův Hradec, Source: pixabay.com

The youngest citizens of Jindřichův Hradec in the South Bohemian Region will be able to participate in the annual festival The Town for Children or Saying Goodbye to the Holiday. Traditionally held at the end of holiday season, the event at the same time marks the summer season, and is, in a way, a farewell to it. Games, competitions, sweet awards, music and dancing will be at the forefront on 1 September at the municipal park in Jindřichův Hradec. The event provides an opportunity for children to enjoy fun activities and interact with their cultural heritage from an early age.

With this year also marking the 100th Anniversary of the Czech Republic, a number of events will be held in honour of this milestone. Chateau - Municipal Museum in Lanškroun will host the Exhibition for the 100th Anniversary of the Announcement of the Czechoslovak State. Opening on 1 September and lasting until 18 November, the exhibition will bring the Czech history to life for many local and international heritage enthusiasts who visit the Pardubice Region.

Photo: Chateau - Municipal Museum in Lanškroun, Source: historickasidla.cz

Pardubice will also host the traditional sports activity titled Lanškrounská kopa. A three-day event in tribute to the 100-kilometers march that took place in 1964, will last from 6 to 9 September. The trails are ranging from 5km for walking up to 110km for bicycle rides, with a new addition of a 15km running trail. The event provides an inclusive adventure for everyone with respect to different athletic abilities and needs to enjoy this traditional Czech heritage experience.

A travel photography exhibition in Beroun, Central Bohemian Region, is another European Heritage Days event organized to celebrate Czech cultural heritage within a shared European scope. Featuring the photos of the historical, partner town of Goslar, the exhibition will take place on 7 September 7.

The symbol of the cultural heritage of the town of Telč in the Vysočina Region, the Church of St James will hold the Organ Night. The municipal parish church, a home to a rare Baroque organ from 1725, will be the centre of the region’s cultural life on 7 September. The visitors will be able to connect to the Czech and European historical heritage through a spiritual music concert and rare artefacts from different important historical periods.

This year’s events will also celebrate Bearers of the Tradition of Folk Crafts. A project that aims to preserve and promote the traditional culture and folklore organises annual events to present the title of Folk Tradition Bearer to individuals and organisations for their efforts in saving the folk crafts from becoming obsolete.

Characterised as one of the most exciting annual events in South Bohemia, the International Historical Festival in Tabor will have its 27th edition during 2018 European Heritage Days. Participatory events will provide visitors with a one of a kind opportunity to experience their culture and history first-hand in order to have a better understanding and appreciation of it.

European Heritage Days 2018 at New Town Hall Prague

Photo: New Town Hall, Prague, Source: Prague.eu

The capital of the Czech Republic will open its most remarkable historical sites to the public during the 2018 European Heritage Days celebrations that will take place from 8 to 16 September. Honouring a seven-centuries-old New Town Hall, the town will provide an extraordinary experience for guests to take part in its rich and turbulent history through hunting activities, exhibitions and exciting tours.

Spotlighting its double anniversary, the Czech Republic recognises its heritage and history throughout the entire year, and as a part of European Heritage Days. The goal of the celebrations is to stress the importance of shared European values and offer new ways to experience the country's rich cultural heritage in a way that appeals to all citizens.