19th International Fair of Traditional Crafts Opens in Gabrovo

Yoana Vodenicharova, BTA correspondent Ralitsa Stefanova

А participant in the International Fair of Traditional Crafts, Gabrovo, September 6, 2025 (BTA Photo/Ralitsa Stefanova)

Gabrovo, Central Bulgaria,

06.09.2025 17:11

(BTA)

The 19th International Fair of Traditional Crafts officially opened at the Etar Regional Ethnographic Open-Air Museum in Gabrovo on Saturday. Organized by the Culture Ministry and Gabrovo Municipality, the three-day event is held under the auspices of Bulgaria’s Parliament Chair, Nataliya Kiselova.

The fair was opened by the museum’s director, Prof. Svetla Dimitrova, and Gabrovo Mayor Tanya Hristova.

The official ceremony was attended by Deputy Parliament Chair Nikoleta Kuzmanova, members of parliament, Gabrovo Regional Governor Maria Basheva-Venkova, Executive Director of the UNESCO Regional Center in Sofia Irena Todorova, and representatives from embassies, state institutions, and international organizations.

Guests were welcomed by Prof. Dimitrova, who emphasized that "it is precisely crafts that inspire respect for traditions."

In her address, Mayor Hristova said the event is a testament to Gabrovo’s rightful place in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. She also expressed hope that this fair would further strengthen Gabrovo’s bid for the title of European Capital of Culture.

She thanked everyone involved in making the fair possible. “These people not only organize the programme and the event, but through their unseen efforts, they help fulfill our national cultural mission - to preserve our tangible cultural heritage and share it with the world. May the next three days be a sheer inspiration until we meet again for the next anniversary edition of the fair," the mayor said.

"Let us be the ones to carry forward the work that began 140 years ago—with our strength, confidence, and unity. True and shared success is only possible when we strive for the good of all," Hristova added.

Addressing the attendees, Parliament Chair Nataliya Kiselova said: "Let’s applaud the craftsmen who, with their hands, make every piece of art seem effortless. Let’s wish them success and let the competition prove that after all the hard work and dedication, beauty is what endures."

Kiselova also reminded everyone of the historic significance of the day, saying that 140 years ago "a handful of brave individuals who had lived through the Liberation, along with their like-minded peers, chose to continue the fight for national unification." "This day reminds us that only by standing together can we achieve the goals we set for ourselves," Kiselova noted.

The fair's programme continued with an international bead jewelry competition, drawing participants from Hungary, the Republic of North Macedonia, Malta, Romania, Latvia, Moldova, and Bulgaria.

Artisans from across Europe, Asia, and Africa demonstrated traditional techniques and showcased the cultural heritage of their countries. A particular highlight was the participation of artisans honored with UNESCO’s Living Human Treasures title, whose presentations attracted considerable interest from attendees.

The fair also features several exhibitions, including The New Precious: Contemporary Craft Art from Bulgaria, which was visited by the official guests prior to the opening. This exhibition includes works by 41 artists, many of whom are featured in the Michelangelo Foundation’s Homo Faber catalogue.

Other exhibitions include The Spirit of Traditions, a photo collection capturing events from across Bulgaria, and Living Human Treasures, curated by Prof. Mila Santova.

Another highlight of the programme is a scientific forum dedicated to intangible cultural heritage, featuring a presentation by a professor from South Korea, who also chairs the Crafts and Folk Art Cluster of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

/IV/