The European Heritage Days, a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Commission since 1999, are the most widely celebrated participatory cultural events shared by the inhabitants and visitors of Europe. The pan-European nature of this project contributes to bringing citizens together and highlighting the European dimension of cultural heritage in the 50 signatory States of the European Cultural Convention. Over 70 000 events are organised every year in order to help raise awareness of the value of this common heritage and the need for its conservation for present and future generations. In celebration of some of our oldest traditions, this year’s edition (#EHDs) will shine a spotlight on Europe’s rich “Arts and Entertainment” heritage.
An extensive and varied programme, taking place from August to October across the participating countries, will include festive events and festivals, exhibitions, craft workshops, conferences, tours, and many other activities. From street shows to concert halls, traditional theatres and museums to cinema and social media, the entertainment heritage of Europe will play out on local, national and European stages.
The aim of the European Heritage Days is to raise awareness of heritage, both tangible and intangible, which has helped to shape people's culture throughout history, thus promoting understanding of the past to better shape the future. Heritage is about objects and places, and the meanings and uses that people attach to them and the values they represent. The European Heritage Days develop and strengthen a feeling of belonging and of responsibility for heritage, underlining the relevance of human rights and democracy.
