The celebrations of the 147th anniversary of the Shipka Epopee start today with a poetic recital. "In Gabrovo, colors, sounds and words will intertwine in order to pay tribute and relive the important historical events through the eyes of art," regional governor Maria Basheva said.

The Shipka Epopee is a series of fierce battles between the Bulgarian defenders of the Shipka Pass in Stara Planina and the Ottoman army during the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878).

The program of the celebrations includes exhibitions, book presentation, a national student competition for climbing the stairs to the Freedom Monument on Shipka Peak, an open history lesson.

The culmination of the celebrations will take place on August 23 in Gabrovo with the folklore concert-performance "Rhythm of Freedom". The all-male folklore formation "Dimitrov" and the finalists from "Bulgaria is Looking for Talent" - formation "Plovdiv", will delight the audience with a solemn concert-performance.

The events will take place under the auspices of President Rumen Radev.