Gabrovo's regional administration is gearing up for national celebrations marking 150 years since the Battle of Shipka Pass, which falls in August 2027. The organizing committee meets for the first time on 9 October at the administration's building.

Regional governor Kristina Sidorova called the meeting, where members will discuss ideas for events and activities to include in the anniversary programme.

Invitations have gone out to the defence, culture and education ministries. The committee has also invited the regional governor of Stara Zagora, the mayors of Gabrovo and Kazanlak, and museum, cultural, archive and education institutions from across Bulgaria and the region.

The goal is to bring state and local institutions together with cultural, museum, archive and education groups to build a programme worthy of the anniversary.

The defence of Shipka Pass and the battles fought there in August 1877 rank among the key moments of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78. Bulgarian and Russian forces held the pass, shaping how the fighting played out. The battle holds a central place in Bulgaria's national memory.

This year marked the 149th anniversary, on 21 and 22 August.