European Heritage Days celebrations in Slovenia begin on 28 September. Over two weeks, hundreds of events across the country will demonstrate the richness of the region's cultural heritage and its place in Europe's history. The common theme for this year - “Arts and Entertainment,” has inspired Slovenian heritage groups, institutions, and individuals to create the most comprehensive series of thematic events that shine fresh light on the Slovenian culture.

Museums, cinemas, entertainment parks, concert halls and theatres will open their doors for visitors to explore entertainment in Slovenia through history. Each year, European Heritage Days in Slovenia develop several new projects, collaborations and events to offer memorable new experiences to visitors. The 29th edition of European Heritage Days and the 7th Cultural Heritage Week in Slovenia will allow for an inclusive approach to heritage exploration aimed at shaping the future of cultural heritage.

The Grand Opening

Vrhnika will be the centre of the European Heritage Days 2019 grand all day opening event in Slovenia. Last year’s European Heritage Stories project on the Ljubljanica river Exhibition Centre is part of the success story of the revitalised industrial site of a former leather factory (IUV Vrhnika). While its upper floors host a library and a part of the local primary school, most of the ground floor is dedicated to the exhibition, which is spread across some 800 square meters.  

Recognised for its rich natural and cultural heritage, the town is located on the Ljubljanica river, one of the most significant cultural landmarks of the region. The Ljubljanica River project has received a UNESCO label for best practices in underwater cultural heritage. The project focused on underwater research, the conservation of a dugout boat from the 2nd century BC and remedial work on the riverbanks and monitoring. It culminated with the Ljubljanica River Exhibition in the town of Vrhnika, which is dedicated to the natural and cultural heritage of the river and its surroundings. Ljubljanica, declared a cultural monument of national importance in 2003, is one of the most important but also one of the most at-risk archaeological sites in Slovenia.

Underwater archaeologist in action. Photo is from the trailer, the winner of the Heritage in Motion, a multimedia competition for the creators and users of films, games, apps and websites on themes related to Europe’s heritage, cultural and natural, tangible and intangible (photo: MGML, David Badovinac)

The inscription of the Ljubljanica project on the UNESCO list of best practices for the protection of underwater cultural heritage will be officially announced at the opening event. The Slovenian Minister of Culture, Zoran Poznic will attend the opening event, hosted by Daniel Cukjati, Mayor of Vrhnika, and Janez Kromar, director of The Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia.

Highlight Events

Over 400 events will take place during the festival to celebrate shared European values in the context of arts and entertainment. Thousands of visitors will have a chance to participate and trace the evolution of various entertainment forms, from old board games to the digital landscape of today.

From fun and exciting exploration of old pastoral games for children in Bled, to the exhibition of fashion accessories made of lace in Idrija, the rich cultural programme will allow visitors of all ages to discover new interpretations of Slovenian heritage and culture.

Maribor invites visitors to follow in the footsteps of our ancestors and explore the pastimes of past times. Offering an insight into the creative ways our grandparents spent their free time, the event offers a new perspective on the evolution of entertainment forms. Marking the 100th anniversary of its independence, the Prekmurje region hosts a number of events throughout the year. One of the events honouring this turning point in the Prekmurje history is an organ concert featuring the works of the great composer and organist J. C. Bach at the Evangelical Church in Moravske Toplice. The Central Library in Celje is inviting visitors to contribute to the digital collection of Slovenian cultural heritage on the Kamra Regional Portal. A workshop will encourage a unique, personal engagement with the significant local stories, people and events.

A complete list of events can be found on the website of The Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia. Follow the event’s Facebook page for the latest updates.

In 2018, Slovenia marked the theme “Our heritage: where past meets the future” with a staggering list of over 400 events across the country. This year, marking the common theme, the festival promises an even more creative and diverse take on the cultural heritage, allowing free access to new exciting events and cultural sites.