The 19th International Fair of Traditional Crafts kicked off at the Etara Open-Air Ethnographic Museum. The forum brings together masters from three continents and turns Gabrovo into a stage for living cultural heritage. The fair was opened by the museum’s director, Assoc. Prof. Svetla Dimitrova, the mayor of Gabrovo, Tanya Hristova, and the chair of the National Assembly, Natalia Kiselova.

In her welcoming speech, Mayor Hristova said: “Let me welcome you to Gabrovo – a city where the past is not only preserved, but also developed and reinterpreted. A city that proudly bears the title of UNESCO City of Crafts and Trades and which, with vision, commitment, and cultural energy, is on its way to becoming a European Capital of Culture.” She emphasized that tradition is a living inspiration and that preserving heritage builds a future based on sustainability and identity.

Over the next three days, visitors to Etara will be able to experience traditional crafts. Masters from Bulgaria and around the world will demonstrate their skills and tell stories of hard work, patience, and beauty created with their hands and hearts.

Mayor Hristova thanked the museum team, the Ministry of Culture, partners, masters, and volunteers who made the event possible, and wished for the three days to be “a celebration of hands, hearts, and spirit.”

The fair continues until September 8 and includes a rich program – a craft exhibition, demonstrations, exhibitions, concerts, a master competition, and workshops for young and old.