Opatija, Pula, Rijeka, Šibenik, Vrbnik and Zagreb are just some of the towns that will join the 2016 edition of European Heritage Days in Croatia. Celebrating synergies between heritage and its custodians, the festival aims to highlight invaluable contributions of local communities to conserving Croatian traditions, historic sites and shared European values.

This year, the festival marks a significant expansion of the programme with 34 towns and villages across the country organising over 70 workshops, exhibitions and other cultural events. Compared to 2015, when 56 events were organised in 18 towns, this year’s programme will bring more opportunities for visitors to explore the rich heritage of Croatia.

The official launch of the festival took place on 20th September at the historic Mimara Museum with the opening of the exhibition titled “Local Communities as Custodians of Heritage.” Cantered around the work of local communities on heritage conservation projects and initiatives, the exhibition promotes best practices in preserving Croatian tangible and intangible heritage.  Throughout the months of September and October, dozens of other Croatian towns will join the European Heritage Days celebrations with the same goal.

Architectural Highlight from Šibenik

In Šibenik, one of the central European Heritage Days attraction was the renewed Gothic Portal, whose history dates back to the 15th century. Officially reopened at the beginning of September, the Portal stands as a unique architectural gem and a witness to the town’s long history.

Source: http://sibenskiportal.rtl.hr/2016/09/22/dani-europske-bastine-sinergija-bastine-i-zajednice/ 

Folklore Traditions Celebrated in Krapje

Krapje, a small village in Sisak-Moslavina County that was recognised with a UNESCO European Heritage label, celebrated European Heritage Days on 17th and 18th September. Visitors could enjoy numerous cultural, folklore and sport events, which brought them closer to their centuries-long tradition and shared historic values.

Source: http://www.radio-banovina.hr/dani-europske-bastine-krapje-2016/

Velika Gorica Foregrounds Community Work

The 2016 European Heritage Days celebrations in Velika Gorica near Zagreb started with the opening of an exhibition titled “Bee – The Role of Community in Heritage Conservation and Enhancement.” Focused on community work, the Velika Gorica programme highlighted joint efforts of various local communities to preserve some of the region’s most remarkable traditions.  

Source: http://www.kronikevg.com/foto-dani-europske-bastine-u-znaku-mobe/

The 2016 European Heritage Days in Croatia will continue until 26th October and more information abou the events could be found on our portal, while the full programme is available on the official website of the Ministry of Culture of the republic of Croatia.

Featured Photo: Gordana Jerabek