OWHC Day

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The Organization of World Heritage Cities was founded on September 8, and to commemorate this landmark event, September 8 has been declared “OWHC Day” (formerly World Heritage Cities Solidarity Day). Every year on this date, all member cities of the Organization are invited to celebrate the day.

OWHC Day is an invitation to member cities to highlight the values of the Organization, in order to strengthen the sense of belonging and community among network members.

That is why the General Secretariat is encouraging each member city’s administration to take advantage of this opportunity to raise awareness of the OWHC and its mission, by organizing a multitude of activities for their citizens.

2025 Edition: 32st Day of OWHC Cities

Each year, September 8 is an occasion to celebrate the creation of the OWHC and to underline the commitment of member cities to work together to preserve the universal values of world heritage.

To make this date a special occasion and express pride in being part of the Organization, member cities are traditionally invited to organize activities and events that highlight the values of the OWHC and their actions in favor of heritage.

Havana

In Havana, the celebration of OWHC Day 2025 was marked by the conference “Fotografía y ciudades patrimoniales” (Photography and Heritage Cities), led by Dr. C. Julio Larramendi. This event, held on September 8 at the Habana Espacios Creativos cultural center, provided an opportunity to reflect on the role of photography as a tool for remembering and promoting heritage cities. The meeting fostered dialogue on the conservation and transmission of the universal values embedded in the urban fabric of Havana.

Trinidad

The city of Trinidad celebrated OWHC Day with the opening of the photography exhibition “Trinidad o el espíritu de tiempo” (Trinidad or the Spirit of Time), presented by artist José Lázaro Peña Herrera. Held on September 8 at the Galería Tristá, the exhibition offered the public an artistic immersion into the identity and spirit of the city. Through his works, the artist highlighted Trinidad’s rich heritage and invited visitors to reflect on the link between collective memory and world heritage.

Camagüey

In Camagüey, visual artist Óscar Rodríguez Lasseria presented the exhibition “María” on September 5 at the Galería Fidelio Ponce, headquarters of the OHCC. Although held ahead of the official date of September 8, this initiative was fully in line with the OWHC Day celebrations. Through his creations, the artist explored themes related to local culture and heritage preservation, recalling the essential role of art in transmitting universal values.

Segovia

In Segovia, the celebration of OWHC Day began on the weekend before September 8, 2025, with the installation of the OWHC flag in the Jardin de los Poetas, near the Puerta de Santiago. Through this symbolic gesture, the city wished to express its pride in belonging to the Organization of World Heritage Cities and its commitment to preserving its cultural identity and historical heritage. The choice of the Jardin de los Poetas, an emblematic place that combines nature, memory, and urban heritage, illustrates the harmony between the universal values defended by the OWHC and Segovia’s rich past, while inviting citizens and visitors to contemplate and recognize this exceptional legacy.

Córdoba

In Córdoba, OWHC Day was celebrated with a highly symbolic double event: the raising of the OWHC flag and the reopening of the Puerta del Puente as a viewpoint over the Guadalquivir River and the Puente Romano. The ceremony, led by the delegates of the Historic Center and Tourism, Lourdes Morales and Marián Aguilar, highlighted the city’s pride in belonging to the Organization. Closed for several months, the Puerta del Puente, a 16th-century monument, welcomed many residents and visitors who came to enjoy its exceptional views. Access to the viewpoint is now free and includes dramatized tours. During the inauguration, the character of the goddess Venus guided the public through the history of this monument and the legends associated with it, linking heritage, culture, and living memory.

Bamberg

In Bamberg, OWHC Day was commemorated by raising the World Heritage flag at the Altes Rathaus (Old City Hall) and the City Hall on Maximiliansplatz. This symbolic gesture recalls the city’s membership in the international OWHC network, founded 32 years ago in Fez, Morocco. Bamberg thus reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cooperation between heritage cities and contributing to the construction of livable, sustainable, and resilient historic cities, in line with the objectives of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.

📸: Magdalena Dittrich

Philadelphia

On OWHC Day, Philadelphia celebrated a historic milestone: the 10th anniversary of its designation as the first World Heritage City in the United States. The event, held on September 3, 2025, as part of the OWHC Day celebrations, highlighted a decade of commitment to international cooperation, civic pride, and sustainable development. Since its inscription in 2015, Philadelphia has fully embodied the values promoted by the Organization of World Heritage Cities—heritage preservation, intercultural dialogue, and community involvement in the transmission of their history.

San Luis Potosí

In San Luis Potosí, OWHC Day was marked by the sharing of a commemorative image on social media, recalling the importance of this symbolic date for all member cities. This gesture demonstrates the city’s commitment to keeping alive the memory of the Organization’s founding and reaffirming its membership in this international network dedicated to the preservation and promotion of world heritage.

Quebec

On OWHC Day, the city of Quebec City celebrated with particular pride the 40th anniversary of the inscription of Old Quebec on the UNESCO World Heritage List. To mark this double commemoration, an original collective work was unveiled in the gardens of the City Hall: a crochet creation on jute representing the fortifications of Old Quebec and the emblem of World Heritage sites. Created over the summer by citizens and visitors during participatory workshops led by EsTrad at Place-Royale, this work symbolizes the strength of the community bond around the promotion and transmission of heritage. On September 8, Quebec City joined World Heritage cities around the world to promote the universal value of its collective treasures and reaffirm its commitment to the OWHC.