The annual European Heritage Days (EHD) are set to commence across Europe, marking a significant celebration of our shared cultural heritage. With the pan-European theme of "Living Heritage", this year's events promise to showcase the vibrancy and significance of cultural traditions through tens of thousands of events taking place throughout the participating nations.

From mid-August to November, thousands of monuments and sites open their doors, granting access to remarkable places that are often inaccessible to the public throughout the rest of the year. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with an array of cultural events, exhibitions, performances, and guided tours, all centred around the theme of "Living Heritage." The theme encapsulates the living, breathing nature of our cultural traditions and practices, knowledge and skills highlighting their relevance and ongoing contribution to our societies.

Organized under the auspices of the Council of Europe and the European Commission, the European Heritage Days celebrate the wealth and diversity of European cultural heritage, while promoting dialogue, inclusion, and appreciation across borders. This year's pan-European theme, "Living Heritage," emphasizes the importance of preserving and promoting our cultural traditions as a living legacy for present and future generations.

“The European Heritage Days traditionally serve as a reminder of the value and importance of our shared cultural heritage, tangible and intangible aspects of our identity”, said Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić. “By embracing our diverse living heritage, we strengthen our sense of unity and enrich our collective understanding of Europe’s rich cultural tapestry. This year’s focus provides us with a sense of continuity, with a variety of skills, trades and professions enabling us to preserve a testimony to be safeguarded for future generations”.

“Now more than ever, we need to support grassroots initiatives and community-led projects. People’s Europe will require joint actions and bottom-up initiatives. This goes at the heart of our way of life and of the values that sustain it” said Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Promoting our European way of Life.

The celebrations will span a wide range of disciplines and activities, including but not limited to interactive workshops on traditional craftsmanship, guided tours of historic sites and landmarks, exhibitions showcasing cultural artifacts and artworks, performances of traditional music, dance, and theatre, talks and lectures exploring the significance of living heritage, cultural demonstrations and re-enactments.

Spanning across 48 countries, the European Heritage Days will offer a diverse and captivating program of events. The activities aim to engage people of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging active participation and fostering a sense of cultural pride and belonging.

The European Heritage Days serve as a reminder of the value and importance of our shared cultural heritage, which encompasses both tangible and intangible aspects of our identity. By embracing our living heritage, we strengthen our sense of unity in diversity and enrich our collective understanding of Europe's rich cultural tapestry.

Join us as we embark on this inspiring journey to celebrate Living Heritage during the European Heritage Days. Visit our official website www.europeanheritagedays.com for more information, including event schedules, participating countries, and ways to get involved.