A new digital animation has been released to mark the 35th anniversary of the European Heritage Days. Launched by the Council of Europe in 1985 in France, the #EuropeanHeritageDays have rapidly grown to become one of the most widely-celebrated cultural heritage events on the continent. Organised as a joint initiative of the European Commission and the Council of Europe since 1999, the European Heritage Days highlight the diversity of local skills, traditions, architectural styles and works of art that constitute shared European heritage.

Celebrated in the 50 signatory States to the European Cultural Convention, the European Heritage Days help uncover histories of people and places that have contributed to shape the culture and heritage of Europe, by enabling visitors to explore a wide range of cultural assets through a number of themed events.

The European Heritage Days raise awareness of heritage, both tangible and intangible, 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.