The European Heritage Days (EHD) is delighted to announce the official opening of its 2024 season, inviting the public across Europe to explore this year's theme: "Heritage of Routes, Networks, and Connections." This theme highlights the intricate web of connections that have shaped Europe's rich and diverse heritage, from ancient routes and trade networks to modern digital links.

Exploring Our Shared Heritage

The 2024 theme, "Heritage of Routes, Networks, and Connections," emphasizes how our tangible and intangible heritage reflects the movement of people, ideas, and cultures across time and space. It encourages heritage professionals and event organizers to delve into the ways our pasts are intertwined, revealing common values and shared practices. This theme underscores the idea that our buildings, monuments, streets, food, rituals, and languages are products of continuous exchanges and influences.

The theme also coincides with the 70th anniversary of the European Cultural Convention, celebrating decades of cultural connections among European countries. Events and activities will highlight the interconnected histories and shared stories that have emerged over the past seven decades, reflecting the convention's guiding principles of promoting cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue, and mutual exchange. The 2024 annual theme is an opportunity to develop further cooperation between organisers of the European Heritage Days and 48 

 “At the time when we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the organisation, as well as the 70th anniversary of the European Cultural Convention, the 2024 theme of the European Heritage Days is a powerful reminder of how our shared heritage continues to connect us across borders and through time, enriching our collective European identity and supporting the foundations of democracy.” stressed Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić.

"Every year the European Heritage Days unite millions of Europeans around their shared historical and cultural heritage. This new pan-European theme will put the focus on a cornerstone of European history: routes, networks, and other bridges among European territories. This is a great way to ensure that our common European heritage is understood, treasured, and protected for future generations, while at the same time bringing economic benefits to local communities through tourism," said Iliana Ivanova, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.

With participation of 48 European countries, European Heritage Days 2024 offers a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating stories behind our heritage sites and practices. Whether through guided tours of historical routes, exhibitions of cultural artifacts, or interactive digital experiences, there is something for everyone to discover.

Note to Editors:

Launched by the Council of Europe in 1985 in France, the European Heritage Days have been organised as a joint initiative of the European Commission and the Council of Europe since 1999. Enabling citizens to explore a wide range of cultural assets through a number of themed events, European Heritage Days help uncover histories of people and places that have contributed to shape the culture and heritage of Europe. 

Different names under one umbrella

European Heritage Days are being celebrated in 48 European countries, and can sometimes bear a different name. In different countries we are also recognised as: “Tag des Denkmals” (Austria), “Journées du Patrimoine”, “Open Monumententdag” (Belgium and Netherlands), “Muinsuskaitsepäevade” (Estonia), “Tag des offenen Denkmals” (Germany), “Kulturális Örökség Napjai” (Hungary), “National Heritage Week” (Ireland), “Kulturminnedagene” (Norway), “Kulturarvsdagen” (Sweden), “Heritage Open Days”, “Open House London”, “Doors Open Days” and “Drysau Agored” (United Kingdom).

More information

europeanheritagedays.com

facebook.com/EHDays  

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