More than 200 amateur performers and members of patriotic organizations participated in a large-scale reenactment of the 1876 April Uprising in Klisura. According to Kalina Nedkova, a member of the Memory of Klisura Association, the event was organized to support the commemorations marking the 150th anniversary of the uprising. Nedkova noted that while the community observes these events annually, the current anniversary required significant organizational effort.
She stated that the first major reenactment of the April Uprising occurred in 1926, and similar events have been held yearly since. This year’s reenactment commenced on May 1st with the proclamation of the April Uprising. Leaders delivered speeches at the 20 April Square, after which participants proceeded to the Zli Dol area.
There, the reenactment depicted the battles between the rebels and the Ottoman forces, followed by the suppression of the uprising and the subsequent burning of the town. For this significant anniversary, the reenactment introduced a new element: the meeting of correspondents with Grandpa Stayko. Stayko was returning with his grandchildren and other residents of Klisura from Varlishnitsa after being displaced for 38 days.
When questioned about the state of Klisura, Stayko reportedly stated, “As long as the sky is there, we will build a new Klisura.” This scene symbolized the resilience of the people of Klisura, marking the moment of hope as the town rose from the ashes. The comprehensive reenactment was organized through the cooperation of the Culture Ministry, the Municipality of Karlovo, the Klisura Mayor, the 20 April 1876 Community Centre, the Klisura History Museum, and the Memory of Klisura Association.
Topics: #klisura #reenactment #april
