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“The end is near – let’s go out with style!”

Gabrovo joins European carnival cities

The carnival season starts on 11 November

Photo: BTA

“The end is near – let’s go out with style!” This is the motto of the 2026 Gabrovo Carnival, marking the start of the so-called fifth season of the year – the carnival season.

The 11th day of the 11th month ushers in the carnival season for European and global carnival cities. From this day onwards, preparations for the New Year and spring carnivals begin.

“If ‘The end is near – let’s go out with style!’ is madness, then it is the healthiest madness we can experience together,” said Deputy Mayor Maria Yozova at the opening ceremony.

During the event, an hourglass was set in motion, counting down to the celebration’s grand finale on 16 May 2026. “There are 187 days left, and preparations begin today,” Yozova added.

For locals, this so-called fifth season is a time of humour, satire, and good cheer. Gabrovo proudly calls itself the capital of humour in Bulgaria — and the carnival is its brightest proof.


Editor: Ivo Ivanov
Posted in English by E. Radkova



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