“This world has survived because it laughs” – devoted to this dictum the people of Gabrovo held the annual carnival celebrating the days of humor and satire marking the top event for the country – signing of the contract for EU accession. The procession was officially started by the Mayor of the town eng. Belchev who arrived dressed as a clown and cut the cat’s tail – one of the symbols of the town.  

Carnival – “carnis laxato” or “carnasciale” means to refuse meat or religious fasting before Pascha. Everything is changed back in 1269 when the Senate of the Venetian Republic started celebrating the last day before the Lent. At that time a great number of people came out in the streets wearing the carnival mask “bautta” not to be recognized.