When did the European Heritage Days in Austria start?
About European Heritage Days in Austria Holiday
Welcome to the European Heritage Days, Austria! For one weekend a year, designated on the 24th of September 2023 by the Council of Europe, Austria proudly opens its doors to celebrate European Heritage Days.
The European Heritage Days serve to remind us of the rich heritage we all share between the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and our own cherished country. This special event offers not only a reminder of our shared history of Austro-Hungarian culture, but also an opportunity to explore and experience our local customs, crafts, music, and nature. Each year, dozens of Austrian villages, towns, and cities come to life with a series of outdoor events such as folk performances, markets, and tours which contribute to the colorful atmosphere that then captivates and unites all visitors.
This year, join us in celebrating the unique contribution each culture makes to Austria, and share in the festive spirit that unites us all.
European Heritage Days in Austria
History and Origin
European Heritage Days (EHD) is a cross-border initiative that started back in 1985 in France as Journées européennes du patrimoine. It is a celebration of European history and heritage, aimed at raising awareness and enhancing knowledge of the collective heritage of Europe.
The idea was proposed at the Council of Europe’s 1989 Conference of Ministers Responsible for National Heritage in Strasbourg, and the first European Heritage Days took place in September 1991 with 23 participating countries. Austria became a participant in 1995 and now observes the EHD on 24 September each year.
Austria is home to some truly spectacular architectural, cultural and natural heritage such as Schönbrunn Palace, the Stephansdom cathedral in Vienna, the Austrian Alps and more. The celebration allows people to explore and appreciate the wonderful cultural and architectural heritage of Austria and the rest of Europe, share stories, traditions and skills, and strengthen bonds between the European countries.
Significance and Meaning
European Heritage Days is held every year to commemorate and celebrate the collective cultural heritage of all European nations, where it is believed that the past should be celebrated and shared with present and future generations. The event helps people to appreciate how heritage is an important part of their identity. It is an opportunity for visitors to gain a better understanding of the past and the values that have been left behind for future generations to remember.
The event also serves as a platform to acknowledge the importance of respecting and protecting heritage, highlighting the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the country as well as promoting sustainable tourism. The celebration allows people from all different countries to get to know one another and build understanding of other cultures.
Traditions and Celebrations
The EHD celebration in Austria includes a variety of activities such as guided tours of historical landmarks, exhibitions, live performances, and activities for children such as treasure hunts. Heritage sites are opened to visitors for free, giving everybody the chance to explore the glorious past of the nation. On this day, you can expect to find a mixture of activities from cultural to recreational, and educational to entertaining.
Live-music performances can also be found in some locations, with many shows taking place in churches and cathedrals where visitors have the chance to experience some of the oldest forms of Austrian music. The aim is to provide a diverse program of activities in order to appeal to all different ages and preferences.
Geographical Spread
European Heritage Days are celebrated in 48 countries, including Austria, every year. It was first recognized in 1995 in Austria. The festival is observed annually on every last Sunday of September.
The celebration of Nature and History, usually under the theme of ‘Nature, Heritage and Ecology’ are held in multiple cities and regions across Austria, from North to South.
In the Austrian Alps, which is considered a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, many heritage sites open their doors for visitors to explore the historical and cultural heritage of the area. The summit tours, open-air museums, and historic cities surrounding the Alps offer unique experiences for those wanting to learn about the historical background and lifestyle of the people living in the Alps.
In some of the most popular tourist destinations such as Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck, the celebration of European Heritage Days is even more vibrant as these cities showcase the history and cultural heritage of Austria. With its numerous sights, events and activities, European Heritage Days in Austria is the perfect event to explore and experience the country’s rich and diverse history and culture.
Modern Day Observations
European Heritage Days are now observed through a variety of activities, from lectures and conferences to live music performances and guided tours. Social media also plays a key role in modern day observances, with many people utilising platforms such as Twitter and Instagram to promote and knowledge share the beauty and significance of Austria’s history and heritage.
The event also provides opportunities for global collaborations and international conferences to further develop ideas and concepts surrounding heritage conservation and protection. This provides invaluable insight into the latest trends and discussions in the field and advances understanding of the impact of conservation and protection on the longevity and appreciation of the nation’s heritage.
Interesting Facts or Trivia
• EHD in Austria has been celebrated since 1995, with the first event taking place at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.
• The event in Austria has developed into one of the most vibrant and well-attended events in the country.
• European Heritage Days is a global event and is held in 48 countries.
• The European Heritage Days in Austria includes activities such as guided tours of historic landmarks, live music performances, special exhibitions and activities for children.
• The aim of EHD is an appreciation and further knowledge of cultural heritage of the countries.
• The celebration also serves as a platform to promote and conserve the cultural heritage of Austria by opening the heritage sites for public access free of charge.
• Since 2015, Vienna has been receiving over two million visitors annually for the festival.
Holiday Wishes
• Wishing you an amazing European Heritage Day full of knowledge and understanding!
• May we all take this day to celebrate and appreciate the beauty of Austria’s cultural past and present!
• Let’s open our minds to appreciate every wonder of culture and history in Austria!
• May our hearts be filled with appreciation and our minds be open to learning!
• Let’s all use this day to learn something new about European countries and their culture!
Holiday Messages:
• European Heritage Day reminds us to appreciate and cultivate the cultures of Europe.
• Let’s take this day to recognize the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
• Let’s use this day to explore and be immersed in the culture and history of Austria.
• It’s time to appreciate our past to build a better future!
• European Heritage Day brings us together to share and appreciate our cultural history!
Holiday Quotes:
• “Those who do not remember the past are doomed to repeat it.” – George Santayana
• “He who doesn’t know history’s mistakes is destined to repeat them.” – Edmund Burke
• “To look back and start all over again, this is what heritage is all about.” -Charles Eames
• “Heritage doesn’t have boundaries, it is a connection among people from different backgrounds.”- Amit Kalantri
• “In our culture, heritage provides a timeless platform to launch lessons for the future.” -Michael Burgess
Other Popular Holiday Info
European Heritage Days in Austria is more than just a celebration and opportunity to learn about the nation’s culture and past- it is also a chance for visitors to explore the local regions and enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine. Gastronomic experiences such as braised meat with potatoes or dumplings with different sauces can be found in some occasions and are often accompanied by traditional drinks such as hot mulled wine or Austrian specialties like beer. Food plays an important role in many heritage activities, with the local regions often hosting food-themed events and activities for visitors to sample and enjoy the local delicacies.
There are also family-friendly activities such as puppet shows and live performances that have been specifically designed with children in mind. These types of activities are great for teaching them about the area’s culture, traditions and history, all while having fun and exploring the sites.
European Heritage Days in Austria is a popular event for both locals and tourists alike. With so many activities and experiences on offer, visitors have the opportunity to experience the culture and heritage of Austria and broaden their knowledge of European history and culture. This is a great event for anyone looking to learn more about the history and culture of Austria and Europe, while enjoying the many activities on offer.
European Heritage Days in Austria Also Called
Heimatfeste (Home Festivals)
FUN FACT:
In year 1989, European Heritage Days in Austria is celebrated on September 28 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!