Kapana - Creative District of Plovdiv

     Each and every part of Plovdiv sparkle in its own way, but the heart of the town stands out. Located just a few minutes by walk from the main street in the town, Kapana - lteral translation ''The Trap'' - is the district which keeps rising. Kapana is a puzzle and emotion. It is a magnetic place. There is no other other place in Plovdiv, which exist for more than five centuries, with such a concentration activities, creating a remarcable sense of urban enviroment and atmosphere.

      Kapana was formed as a trade quarter more than five centuries ago. It was the place in Plovdiv where you could find fur - dressers, goldsmiths and many other craftsmen. It was a colorful place with people from everywhere. The name of the district  itself is inspired by the many tangled little street. Nowadays you will not find traditions craftmen here, but creative entrepreneurs. This is due to the massive 3-4 year joint efforts of the Plovdiv Municipality and ''Plovdiv 2019'' Foundation . They are trying to transform the city into a real art centre and district dedicated to creative industries. The heart of Kapana was Kurshum Han (Kurshum Inn) , today the Hali Trade Center.

     Groceries, bakeries, carpenter's shop, locksmiths, shoemakers, farmers, barbers are part of the artisants who work on the streets of Kapana. The people believe that the native production must be supported. They prefer spending a lot of time in labour and sweat just to be able to offer for sale quality products than resseling some cheap products that won't last long.

     At Kapana in Plovdiv everything is colorful. Even if you are in bad mood, the moment you see the straggling all over graffiti, you will chear up - the best part of this art is that they feature drawings of familiar faces and stories which fits buildings around perfectly. Besides artisans and their workshops the second most important factor are the artshops, that offer for sale hand - made jewellery, toys, antiquarioan treasures, books and many other things. The structure and architecture of Kapana is not for everyone.

     The cafes with tables right on the pavers, the stores and etc. are not for every taste. It doesn't matter if you are foreigner or a Bulgarian, the area attracts extravagant people, those who love to feel free. The places in the district are one of the most interesting in the whole town. Some of the places have been here for decades, some are brand new - all of them with big ambition. You will not find ordinary interior or foods and drinks. Everything is artistic, mostly from wood and they all have its own nature.

      The spirit of Kapana is free and different , it's full of life. Many foreigners say that ''There is Something in Plovdiv'' that they have never seen anywhere before. There are a few proetcted places left that still keeps that ancient culture from Roman times. While on the main street and boulevards the paving stones have been torn, they still remind of our past.

     ''Kapana Fest'' is one of the major events that takes place at the Kapana every year with local and international artists, theatrical performances, an art bazaar and a puzzle.