The 2023 edition of the European Heritage Days, themed “living heritage” delved into the skills, practices, and memories passed down through generations, emphasising their significance and the need to safeguard them for the future.

From craft days in Sweden's Skansen to the exploration of chalcography art in Saint-Denis, France, and guided tours in Ukrainian at Villa Borghese in Rome, Italy, attendees experienced a dynamic exploration of how the past continues to shape the present.

Participating sites had the opportunity to apply for funding for innovative projects, leading to the support of three distinguished European Heritage Label sites: the MigratieMuseumMigration in Belgium, the Union of Lublin, Poland, and the Archaeological Site of Nemea in Greece.

2024: Routes, networks and connections

As the curtains draw on this year's festivities, the stage is set for the upcoming theme for the year of 2024: "Routes, Networks, and Connections." This new theme promises to unravel the intricate ties that bind Europe's historical and cultural legacies, inviting everyone to embark on a journey that traverses the interconnectedness of our shared heritage.

About European Heritage Days

Originating in France in 1985 and evolving into a joint initiative of the European Commission and the Council of Europe in 1999, the European Heritage Days have become one of Europe's most cherished participatory cultural events. It serves as a unifying platform, celebrating the shared heritage of people living across the continent.

National Coordinators oversee the celebrations in 48 countries that signed the European Cultural Convention. These events are organised by a network of regional and local authorities, civic and private groups, and thousands of dedicated volunteers, with each year revolving around a special pan-European theme.

This annual celebration is also an opportunity for reflection on the preservation of our tangible, intangible, and natural heritage: European Heritage Days promote sustainable tourism, resource management, and provoke contemplation on humanity's relationship with nature through art, cultural practices, and the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity.

With a legacy of celebrating Europe's diverse heritage, the European Heritage Days pave the way for fostering appreciation, understanding, and preservation of our past, present, and future for generations to come.