The final week of September marks the commencement of “European Heritage Days”, reaching its pinnacle with “National Cultural Heritage Day” on September 29.

As is the tradition each year, this early initiative dating back to 1985, initiated by the Council of Europe and celebrated across approximately 50 European countries, has evolved into a collaborative endeavor involving all stakeholders in cultural heritage. It entails the organization of cultural events within monuments, archaeological parks, museums, and galleries.

The common theme put forth by the European Council for 2023 is “Living Heritage”.

Living Heritage pertains to the practices, knowledge, and skills that have been handed down through generations and continue to be relevant in our contemporary world. These encompass a wide spectrum of skills, crafts, and professions that play a role in preserving heritage from one generation to the next in various ways. The theme for 2023 offers an opportunity to recognize the efforts that presently sustain heritage, owing to individuals who have passed down their knowledge and ensured its enduring existence. The entirety of these skills, practices, and the methods of their transmission reflects an identity and continuity – a process that remains in perpetual motion.

Addressing the theme of living heritage provides an opportunity for in-depth exploration while promoting cultural diversity and fostering creativity.

Within the framework of this theme, the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Vlora is orchestrating a series of activities involving students from local schools at cultural monuments and archaeological sites. These activities will culminate in the “Zeje – Avaze – Polifoni – Kulinari” event, a collaborative effort with the Municipality of Selenica.