What does European heritage mean to young people? Which stories, places, and traditions are worth preserving for the future? These are the questions that Young European Heritage Makers 2024 winners will reflect on during their visit to Strasbourg on 20-21 May, as part of the European Heritage Days (EHD) programme.
The Young European Heritage Makers competition is a yearly initiative aimed at children and young people across Europe. It encourages them to discover and express what heritage means to them - whether local or European - through creative projects such as short films, photographs, or illustrations. Last year's theme, "Heritage of Routes, Networks, and Connections," invited participants to explore the links between past and present, and between local traditions and the wider European context.
Heritage through young eyes
From a wealth of inspiring entries submitted in 2024, five winning groups (aged 11-17) were selected for their original approach and powerful messages:
- Armenia - Sasna Tsrer: a story about national heritage and identity.
- Croatia - Croatian Villages / Hrvatska sela: documenting village life and the role of tradition in everyday culture.
- Finland - Craftivism: using handicrafts as a peaceful way to express values and foster community.
- Spain - The Pot That Saves the Planet: an eco-conscious artistic initiative.
- Ukraine - Salt Trade Road: the salt route as a symbol of trade and cultural exchange.
As their prize, the winning groups travel to Strasbourg, the heart of European cooperation. They will take part in creative workshops, visit key European institutions and showcase their work in an exhibition at the Council of Europe's headquarters.
Giving youth a voice
A highlight of their visit will be the workshop "What is my European heritage? A postcard to future self.", where participants will reflect on what values and traditions they hope future generations will cherish. These postcards will be shared with National Coordinators of the EHD, so that they may serve as inspiration for future events shaped by and for young people.
The presence of more than 20 young winners at the Council of Europe is a strong recognition of the role of youth in shaping the future of heritage. Their creative projects prove that heritage is not only about history, but also about identity, community and a shared European future.
See all winning projects on the EHD website
