THE HERITAGE NIGHT

A unique celebration in 15 extraordinary cities

THE HERITAGE NIGHT is an unprecedented cultural event held simultaneously in Spain’s 15 World Heritage Cities: Alcalá de Henares, Ávila, Baeza, Cáceres, Córdoba, Cuenca, Ibiza, Mérida, Salamanca, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Santiago de Compostela, Segovia, Tarragona, Toledo and Úbeda

For just one night a year, their historic centers—all declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO—are transformed into living venues where contemporary art, history, creativity, and citizenship converge.

An opportunity to rediscover heritage from within, through open, diverse, and participatory cultural experiences.

The first edition of THE HERITAGE NIGHT was held in 2018, within the framework of the 25th anniversary of the Spanish World Heritage Cities of Spain Group (GCPHE). Since then, it has established itself as an annual event that unites tradition and avant-garde, and pays tribute to the cultures and languages that coexist in our cities.

Organized by the GCPHE—a non-profit public service association working to preserve and promote these unique historic centers—this celebration reflects the collective commitment of the 15 municipalities to defend and bring this heritage to life as a common and universal good.

One night, three ways to enjoy the heritage

ABIERTO PATRIMONIO (OPEN HERITAGE)

Monuments, museums, and heritage sites open their doors free of charge at night, offering special visits, guided tours, and a new way to explore our artistic and historical legacy.

VIVE PATRIMONIO (EXPERIENCE HERITAGE)

Each city offers a cultural program designed for all audiences and ages: concerts, workshops, theater, gastronomy, heritage trails, family shows, and much more. A tribute to intangible heritage and the richness of our local traditions and talents.

ESCENA PATRIMONIO (DANCING HERITAGE)

The festival’s contemporary soul. National and international choreographers and companies activate heritage spaces with exclusive creations of contemporary dance and performing arts. A true performing arts laboratory that transforms heritage into a stage, and the ephemeral into a shared memory.

A night for everyone

THE HERITAGE NIGHT is open to all audiences and ages, free, inclusive, and sustainable. We are committed to accessible culture, with activities adapted for people with reduced mobility, sign language, and easy reading. And we do so from a perspective that respects the environment, consciously inhabiting our heritage spaces.

It’s also a more youthful event, with activities designed for and by new generations, promoting connection and respect for heritage through diversity and active participation.

Beyond our borders

This event has sparked international interest and is supported by institutions such as UNESCO and the World Heritage Cities networks of Latin America and Europe. Its global reach reinforces the idea that our cities not only preserve history but also live, share, and transform it.