Gabrovo will host the annual meeting of the Crafts and Folk Art Cluster of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2026. This is the second most important event in the Network’s calendar after the Annual Meeting of all Creative Cities. The news was announced by Mayor Tanya Hristova, who said: “This is a huge recognition and proof of Gabrovo’s active role in the international community and the city’s efforts to combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary cultural practices. Hosting this prestigious forum is not only an honor, but also an opportunity to show the world the richness of Gabrovo’s crafts, the hospitality of our community, and our vision for sustainable cultural development.”

Gabrovo was chosen as the host city through a vote among all creative cities in the “Crafts and Folk Art” section. Our city stood out among strong international competition from Montecristi (Ecuador) and Aregua (Paraguay).

From September 16 to 20, the Forum will bring together representatives of creative cities from around the world in Gabrovo to exchange ideas, discuss future projects, and build new partnerships.

Gabrovo, recognized as a UNESCO Creative City in the field of crafts and folk art in 2017, continues to establish its place on the world cultural map. Membership in the Creative Cities Network is not only prestigious, but also a strategic opportunity for development—it provides access to international partnerships, exchange of good practices, and joint initiatives that support local artists and stimulate sustainable urban development.

Over the years, Gabrovo has been super involved in the Network’s activities—from joint projects and festivals to training and cultural exchange programs. This has turned the city into a bridge between tradition and modernity, showing off the richness of Bulgarian crafts and their role in the global cultural dialogue.

This event is also an important step towards Gabrovo’s bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2032. Hosting an international forum of this scale demonstrates the city’s ability to organize significant cultural initiatives, attract global attention, and build bridges between cultures and communities. It is proof that Gabrovo has the potential and ambition to be a center of the European cultural scene.