Set in the charming town of Elena, near Veliko Tarnovo, the Elena Ham Festival is one of Bulgaria’s biggest culinary events. Held on November 8, 9, and 10, 2024, it promises a weekend filled with delicious food, lively entertainment, and cultural activities. The Elena Ham, known as the “King of Appetizers,” will be the main highlight, offering a true taste of tradition and history.
From October 7 to 14, 2024, Sevlievo will host the Traditional Pumpkin Festival. This week-long event will celebrate the town’s rich agricultural and culinary traditions. Conveniently located, Sevlievo offers a fantastic festival near Veliko Tarnovo, making it an ideal spot for both locals and tourists. The event will begin just before Sevlievo’s Patron Saint Day on Petkovden and will coincide with the 102nd edition of the Sevlievo Autumn Fair. Visitors can enjoy live music, delicious pumpkin dishes, a pumpkin-themed bar, and the fun atmosphere of fairground lights. There will be games and prizes for both children and adults, making it a lively experience for everyone.
An invariable part of the celebration is the big autumn festival “Night of the Samovodska Charshiya and Festival of Crafts”, which spans six nights from September 18 to 23 and turns the emblematic craft street into a festival arena with nearly 30 events. Over 80 will be the artisans who will show old-time techniques and products. Events include creative workshops, concerts, children’s theater, a fire show, textile painting, soap making and artisan baked goods, etc.
For the second year in a row, Elena will host its Art Week this September. This event is one of the top things to do in Veliko Tarnovo. It begins on September 13 with a concert-performance titled “Let’s Listen to Cinema.” The event features Hilda Kazasyan, Teodosii Spasov, and Vasil Petrov, along with the Pleven Philharmonic, conducted by Borislav Yotsov. This lineup will surely captivate the audience and is a must-see for visitors.
From August 16 to 18, the third edition of the “48 Hours Varusha South” community festival will take place in Veliko Tarnovo. This event is part of the Cultural Calendar of the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo. Over 120 participants, including artists, creators, craftsmen, locals, businesses, and institutions, have joined the festival program. Attendees can enjoy 108 events spread across 47 locations in the Old Town.