Heritage Day offers 1,025 activities across Flanders
The second Sunday in September is traditionally Heritage Day or Open Monument Day in Flanders. This year, on 10 September, 1,025 activities will take place throughout the region.
With 1,025 activities, the highest number in 10 years, this year's Heritage Day offers 200 more activities than the previous edition. Half are related to intangible heritage, such as brass bands, religious customs or craftsmanship. The theme "with heart and soul" is a nod to the 2003 Unesco Convention, which has been responsible for this type of heritage for 20 years.
Stories and traditions
"We are highlighting the stories and traditions behind our monuments and focusing on the people who put their heart and soul into them," says coordinator Griet Langbeen.
This year's host city is Sint-Niklaas in East Flanders, where the new museum Curiosum in Huis Janssens will be partially opened. "We are looking forward to being the host city and showing how our historical heritage is still alive in the heart and soul of our city. We are fully prepared," says city councillor Filip Baeyens.
"We are highlighting the stories and traditions behind our monuments and focusing on the people who put their heart and soul into them"
Antwerp, Flanders' largest city, leads the way in terms of the number of activities. Across the nine districts, 140 activities will be organised, twice as many as last year.
The first Heritage Day Flanders took place in 1989 and has become a tradition. Hundreds of sites throughout Flanders are open to visitors, free of charge.
#FlandersNewsService | Castle Het Steen in Antwerp © BELGA PHOTO TIJS VANDERSTAPPEN
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