Hristo
Totsev

Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?

My hometown is Gabrovo, a creative city of crafts and folk art. It is a small city in the middle of Bulgaria at the foot of the central Balkan Mountains. As a professional dry stone waller, I work on projects in different parts of the country. My work is a craft and a mindset.

Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

Gabrovo is a town surrounded by mountains and nature is all around. It is very easy to find a quiet and lovely place to relax or hike along eco-trails. Like, for example, the rock formation “The Twisted Wall”, or try backpacking routes in the Balkan. You can visit old villages and still meet and talk to elderly locals and hear their stories of forgotten times. You can even encounter villages with noone or just a few people living in them. There you can see typical old revival architecture, made of natural materials. Moreover, some of the old houses almost got swallowed by the nature and earth.

Nearby there are old churches, monasteries, remnants of fortresses. Within a one-hour drive, you will reach “The Buzludzha” monument. That is one of the most iconic and significant buildings of post-war modernism in Bulgaria and Europe. It is under restoration now. There is a festival each year with 3 music stages, a 3D mapping show, and a rich daily cultural program.

The geographic center of Bulgaria is located at Uzana, 25km from the town. The region has unique nature and rich wild habitat. You may find lots of medical herbs in the alpine meadow. It is also a starting point to many local tourist routes and eco paths to the territory of the two parks. Moreover, it borders the National Park “Central Balkan” and the Natural Park “Balgarka”. There are 8 ski and snowboard tracks. Currently, Uzana Rainbow Hill is building the first rope-tow snow park in Eastern Europe. There is an eco-festival every year in july with music, family and kids activities, hand-made and local products and initiatives.

Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?

The problem of low wages and, simultaneously, the high prices of basic consumer goods are, indeed, what bothers people in Bulgaria the most. In particular, for the city of Gabrovo, the most serious issue is the decline in the city’s population and the depopulation of nearby villages. Once called the Bulgarian Manchester, with a population of 85,000 and recognized as an industrial center, over the last 30 years, the city has decreased to just 50,000 people. Therefore, the city is not as attractive in terms of work opportunities for young people, making it urgent for this situation to change. However, Gabrovo has many benefits and potentials that the younger generation could certainly enjoy.

In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years – and what has not?

Bulgaria has become a competitive country in the tourism sector. On the other hand, the bad thing is that it pays attention only to sea, ski, and spa tourism. Culture, arts, and crafts tourism remains in the background. It is an ancient country with 1300 years of history and has a lot to show and tell.

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

There is a Regional Ethnographic Open-Air Museum Etar, which represents the old crafts that have almost disappeared in Bulgaria. Some of them even offer handmade items that are of very high quality.

Is there anything particulary innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?

Gabrovo is the international capital of humor and satire. In fact, you can visit the Museum of Humor and Satire which is a place where we promote humorous art globally. We have special jokes about Gabrovians and the famous saying “The world survived because it laughed.”

A new project is under development – The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Center. Gabrovo is Christo’s birthplace. The center will offer art residence, a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions, presenting young artists. In addition, it will create a site of knowledge production and collaboration. It is a global initiative.

Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share whit us?

The places below can be found in the oldest part of Gabrovo – Shesti Uchastak:
– Craft Beer at “The Arrow” : a very warm community gathering place

– Restaurant “ The Old Vine”

– Restaurant Gourmet

Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?

There is a local manufacturer of prune pestil, also called Gabrovo chocolate, which is a unique fruit dessert.

Do you have any favourite newspaper or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?

I like the print/digital magazine InGlobo – it is about extraordinary places & great people, important events and timeless art, curious science, and revolutionary technology.

For local events, I follow Gabrovo municipality’s social media and other local Facebook pages. Even so mostly I know about interesting cultural events from my friends.

Immagine you could be mayor for a year – what would you change?

I would make my city more playful for all ages.

One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constraints – which one would you choose?

I love my city and I can live here all my life. I like traveling and I do travel often, inside the country and abroad, but the Old Mountains are my place.