European Heritage Days Starts

European Heritage Days Starts History

European Heritage Days is an annual cultural event during which numerous European countries open the doors to their cultural landmarks, historical sites, and natural heritage spaces for the public to discover and enjoy. The key objectives of this event are to promote a sense of belonging, foster cultural diversity, and encourage intercultural dialogue among European nations. This shared cultural initiative provides free access to a wealth of treasures, showcasing the rich and diverse history that shapes Europe's landscape and identity.

Established in 1985 by the Council of Europe and later supported by the European Union, the European Heritage Days promotes cooperation between nations, the exchange of ideas, and the shared pride in the Continent's distinctive character. Today, 50 participating countries come together to celebrate the largest joint cultural programme in Europe. European Heritage Days celebrates a theme each year, and it allows European citizens and tourists alike to explore and appreciate the cultural heritage that has laid the foundations for Europe's collective future.

European Heritage Days offers a variety of activities and events across the countries, such as guided tours, exhibitions, workshops, and conferences, as well as the opportunity to visit cultural venues that are otherwise inaccessible. These activities allow participants to develop a deeper understanding of the historical context and the importance of preserving the cultural legacy. European Heritage Days are generally held in September, with the date varying across the participating countries. Through these events, European Heritage Days aims to increase the understanding, appreciation, and engagement with the cultural heritage that connects and enriches the lives of Europe's citizens.

Top facts and quotes about European Heritage Days Starts

• The theme for European Heritage Days in 2024 was Routes, Networks, and Connections.
  In 2023, the theme was Living Heritage.
• The first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Europe was Aachen Cathedral in the town of Aachen, Germany. It was inscribed in 1978, the year of the project’s inception, and the cathedral itself dates to 796 AD.
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated 131 World Heritage sites in Western Europe.
• They - the rest of the world - think Europe is a sort of economic entity. Therefore we have to become political, we have to become more cultural. Because I do not want to sell Europe as an import-export club. - Michael Reiterer, Ambassador of the EU to Switzerland
• The fact that a cloud from a minor volcanic eruption in Iceland—a small disturbance in the complex mechanism of life on the Earth—can bring to a standstill the aerial traffic over an entire continent is a reminder of how, with all its power to transform nature, humankind remains just another species on the planet Earth. ― Slavoj Žižek, Slovenian philosopher and scholar

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European Heritage Days Starts Top Events and Things to Do

• Visit an event near you. There are over 1700 events already announced in Ireland, Portugal and many more countries.
• Open your building: If you have a building of interest you can open your doors to the public over EHOD weekend. Some buildings of interest might include factories or those with striking architectural features.
• Try making some food from different European countries. Food is deeply entwined with culture and heritage. Have you tried paella (Spain), sauerkraut (Germany) or spanakopita (Greece)?
• Read some literature from different European countries in order to get better acquainted with different countries' cultural heritages. Some of our favourites are: Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, Austerlitz by WG Sebald, and Old Goriot by Honoré de Balzac.
• Watch one of the many popular films produced by different European countries. Our favourites include:
  1) Amelie (2001)
  2) The Lives of Others (2006)
  3) The White Ribbon (2009)