Alongside the European-level winners, the Young European Heritage Makers competition also celebrates the creativity of children aged 6–11 across participating countries.

In this younger age group, one entry per country was selected at national level. Through drawings, paintings and photographs accompanied by their own written reflections, children shared what heritage means to them — from family traditions and local landmarks to stories passed down through generations.

While these works are not evaluated at the European level, they remain an essential part of the initiative. They remind us that the celebration of European heritage begins with curiosity, imagination and the authentic voices of children.

These creative projects shine a spotlight on diverse local traditions, historical landmarks, and unique cultural expressions, all told through the voices of young contributors. Each work embodies a personal journey into cultural heritage and highlights how young Europeans connect with their past in imaginative and meaningful ways.

Meet the European Winners and Their Works

LUSERUN – Exploring the Temple of Garni through Interactive Heritage (Armenia)

A dynamic and educational project created by the team “Luserun” (meaning “Generation of Light”), this work brings to life the ancient Temple of Garni through an original interactive game. Participants assemble a puzzle to unlock a QR code leading to a Telegram-based experience blending cultural history with logic challenges — inviting young people to explore Armenian heritage in a playful way. 

Slices of Latvian Cultural Loaf – Discovering Traditions in Jelgava (Latvia)

This creative piece uses the metaphor of a Latvian rye loaf to explore and connect elements of local heritage — from Jelgava’s Old Town and traditional whitework embroidery to the wooden board game Novuss — showing how everyday customs and craftsmanship contribute to a shared cultural identity. 

The Weaving of Fate: An Ancient Ukrainian Tradition You Must See (Ukraine)

A narrative-driven work unfolding the rich symbolism of a Ukrainian **wedding tradition** in which the braid and wreath become emblems of fate, community, and future hopes. This story-rich piece highlights how heritage rituals carry deep meaning across generations. 

Kulturna baština mog sela, Utrg – Crmnica, Crna Gora (Cultural Heritage of My Village, Utrg – Crmnica, Montenegro)

Through evocative imagery and heartfelt storytelling, this project captures the soul of Utrg village in Crmnica, celebrating the enduring presence of family traditions, rural life, and community rituals. By sharing the cultural heritage of their village, the young creators show how local identity contributes to Europe’s wider cultural richness and shared heritage.

POR TIERRAS DEL CURA MERINO – A Geocaching Journey through Spanish Heritage (Spain)

An adventurous blend of geocaching and heritage learning, this project invites participants to uncover hidden treasures across the land once walked by the historical figure Cura Merino. By combining tradition, technology, and exploration, it brings history out of textbooks and into lived experience. 

Honouring Young Voices from Across Europe

Each of these selected works highlights:

- Creativity and personal engagement with heritage

- Local cultural richness that resonates with broader European identities

- Innovative storytelling and participation by young Europeans

As winners at a European level, these projects embody the spirit of the programme by showing how heritage connects communities, sparks curiosity, and inspires tomorrow’s custodians of culture.

Looking Ahead

The five European winners will be invited to Strasbourg in May 2026 to celebrate their achievements, share their stories, and participate in a series of events that deepen their understanding of European heritage and cooperation.

Stay tuned for more highlights and insights from these young heritage makers as their stories continue to inspire across Europe.

Explore all the creative entries and discover more about the programme at the European Heritage Days website.