The International Day for Monuments and Sites also known as World Heritage Day is an international observance held on 18 April each year around the world with different types of activities, including visits to monuments and heritage sites, conferences, round tables and newspaper articles. To promote cultural heritage via activities which are undertaken by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
It was in 1982 that the ICOMOS suggested that April 18 should be celebrated as the International Day for Monuments and Sites. The proposal was approved the next year by UNESCO during the 22nd General Conference. According to ICOMOS, the “essential aspect is to mark this day so that it becomes not only a day to celebrate your National Heritage but also a day of International Solidarity in favour of strengthening and safeguarding Heritage world-wide.”
How to celebrate Heritage Day
Perhaps the most important way to celebrate Heritage Day is to search out those locations near you that count as Heritage Sites, and perhaps pay them a visit. Before doing so research the site and find out what steps are needed to protect it, and respect them during your visit. If you’re feeling more proactive, then perhaps consider submitting a site that you feel is worthy of being protected for it’s cultural importance to ICOMOS. Don’t let an important site disappear from the world, do your part on World Heritage Day to raise awareness and preserve it for future generations.
The aim of organizing the Heritage Day is to preserve the human heritage and appreciate the efforts of all organizations that work for the preservation of this heritage.
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