The town of Gabrovo, known in Bulgaria and abroad with its folklore humor, satire and traditions, hosts an emblematic carnival procession today. The event traditionally begins with the cutting off the tail of the Carnival Queen- a six meter Gabrovo cat. Thousands of people participate at the carnival procession which crosses the central part of the town. It is led by the Mayor of Gabrovo and the artificial Gabrovo cat with the cut-off tail. Each year the preparation of the festival begins in the carnival workshop where large models of popular personalities as well as Bulgarian and foreign heroes are made. The motto of this year’s edition of the carnival is Masks Up! The carnival tradition in Gabrovo began back in the 19^th century with the so-called Oleliynya (loud and fun procession). In the beginning of the 20^th century it was transformed into a carnival (masquerade) procession. Later, thanks to the establishment of the House of Humor and Satire, the carnival in Gabrovo acquired its contemporary look. Since 2000, the town has been a member of the Foundation European Carnival Cities.