Gabrovo is situated in the northern foothills of the Middle Balkan Range, in the valley of the Yantra River at an altitude of 392 m above sea level. The climate is moderate continental influenced by the nearby mountains. The average annual temperature is 10°C. The winter is cold and summers comparatively hot. Snow lasts about 110 days; the rainfall is above the average for the country, with a maximum in June. The green mountainous areas are rich in big and small game. There is a well-developed hunting lodge in the vicinity of the town (the village of Girgini). 22 km away from the town, amidst unique nature and relief is located the high-hill area of Uzana, the geographical centre of Bulgaria. Uzana is a favourite place for winter-sports lovers. 15 km to the west of Gabrovo is the area of Lyulyatzi (the Lilacs), perching on a hill of impressive crags, covered with shrubs of lilac.

Since May 1981 Gabrovo has been hosting the annual Dixieland Parade. The event is organized by the Gabrovo Orchestra and is the one and only jazz festi­val in Bulgaria featuring only one style - the tradition­al jazz. The liveliness of its rhythm corresponds to Gabrovo humour. Bands from France, Russia, Germany, Greece, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, solo performers from England, France and the Czech Republic have participated in the Parade through the years. In 1998 Gabrovo hosted the launching edition of the National Festival of Theatre Comedy Plays with the participation of Bulgarian groups only. It was orga­nized under the initiative of "Racho Stoyanov" Drama Theatre. The festival adds on the to colourful palette of humour events with theatre art activities. The plays, which had been staged during the event, spurred the significant interest of audience and testified that the town and its theatre had the necessary potential to host a unique tneaxre forum.

In 1999 the first International Festival of Theatre Comedy Plays was held. Its 1999 edition launched the New  Bulgarian Comedy competition. The organizers of the festival place an emphasis on the Balkan theatre and are aimed at presenting a new face of the Balkans - a face with a smile, capable of severing itself from the past and continuing on its was to the future. Parallel with this, a round table with the participation of youngplaywrights and acros is also held.

Each year, on the third Saturday of May, the Day of Gabrovo is marked in the town with a rich cultural programme and in high spirits. It brings together groups from various countries and in particular those from the cities Gabrovo is fraternized with: Portage, USA, Aalst, Belgium, Tun, Switzerland, Sisac, Croatia, Mitwaida, Germany, Cavalla, Greece, Solviechegodsk, Russia, Mogilev, Byelorussia, Mititsi, Russia, Novi Sonc, Poland, Panevezis, Lithuania...the concerts of the folklore ensembles, in which dancers, singers and musicians both from the country and abroad display their inspiring art, impress with their colour and style.

In August, Gabrovo welcomes the Balkan Youth Festival entitled "The Youth of the Balkans". It is a meet­ing ground of young people from the Balkan countries who come to discuss ideas, projects and issues.

Drama Theatre "Racho Stoyanov" was established on October 10, 1945. Its artistic biography includes the names of many prominent Bulgarian actors and actresses such as: Nevena Kokanova, Violeta Minkova, Luchezar Stoyanov, Katya Zehireva, Ventsislav Kisyov. The classical and the new Bulgarian titles have always had a priority place in its reper­toire while the comedies have acquired a leading one.

Drama Theatre "Racho Stoyanov" boasts a serious international programme, which is implemented through various projects with Austria, Switzerland, Macedonia and Serbia. On its part, the drama theatre has participated in pres­tigious festivals in Switzerland, Macedonia, Albania, Russia, Hungary and Slovakia.

Archaeological studies and finds show evidence of human activity in these parts as early as the Palaeolithic period. A natural crossroads, linking the East and the West, the Mediterranean and the North, these lands were inhabited by various peoples.

Remnants from Thracian settlements and mounds have been preserved to the present day. In the 15 c. A.D. the land between the lower Danube and the Balkan Range were conquered by the Romans and included within the boundaries of the Roman Empire. The arrival of the Slavs and the proto-Bulgarians (V-VII c.) and their mingling with the native Thracian population formed the ethnic background of the pre¬sent-day Bulgarians. The establishment of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom in the XII century and the proximity of the capital Veliko Turnovo changed the lifestyle and the means of living of the people in this region.