The first stages of Tour of Italy In Bulgariascheduled between May 6 and 10, 2026, will be accompanied by an extensive cultural and public program in several host cities, including Burgas, Nessebar, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, Sofia and smaller municipalities located along the race route.
The program begins on May 6 in Burgas, where the official presentation of the team for the Tour of Italy will take place at the Summer Theater from 6:00 p.m. Admission is free but requires tickets due to organizational limitations, with advance distribution already sold out and same-day availability expected in limited numbers at the venue box office. From May 6 to 9, Burgas will also host a broader cultural program including a festive tour of St. Anastasia Island, cycling-themed activities, concerts and various cultural activities. events across the city.
In Nessebar, May 7 is dedicated to cycling events as part of the Mini Giro Nessebar initiative, organized around the theme “Waves and Bikes”, targeting children and young participants. The day will end with a concert by the group BTR. On May 8, before the start of the first stage at 1:50 p.m. from the North Port, amateur cycling and running activities will take place on certain parts of the route, allowing the public to participate in the atmosphere of the race.
Veliko Tarnovo will mark all three stages with public screenings at the Asenevtsi Monument. On May 9, the city will host other cultural activities before the race, including performances by folk groups, a junior music group, a children’s cycling event called “Giro di Tsarevets” and a bike ride along sections of the stage route. The evening program includes a concert with Turin and Pacha. On May 10, the program continues with the Kereka Cup 2026, a road and cycling competition in the neighboring village of Kereka.
Plovdiv will host events from May 8 to 10, with its old town transformed into a wine and food festival space, as well as craft and art exhibitions in the archaeological underpass. On May 9, the city center will host a warm-up hosted by a DJ, while on May 10, the day the stage starts, an urban procession with artists and musicians will precede the riders. After the departure at the Antique Theater, a concert combining pop-rock and jazz is planned, followed later by a cycling marathon with games and rewarded activities.
In Sofia, Alexander Nevsky Square will serve as a central cycling hub throughout the stage’s final days, hosting a children’s program, cheerleading shows and concerts. On May 9, a special “Pink Tour” marking Europe Day will bring together EU ambassadors for a symbolic group walk from Alexander Nevsky Square to the National Palace of Culture. On May 10, the final stage will be accompanied by the mass cycling event “Sofia Rides Giro”, led by the mayor of the capital Vasil Terziev. The route will include themed attractions such as a Roman legion re-enactment and an open-air opera performance near Pancharevo, with public viewing areas also set up in the area.
Throughout the latter part of the race, other local celebrations are planned in towns such as Kostenets, where a community program will include a local market, a cycle walk for children and visual effects in national colors as the peloton passes.
The complete support schedule events is available via official Tour of Italy Bulgaria interactive platforms and maps provided by the organizers: https://www.giroditalia.it/en/grande-partenza-bulgaria/
Source: Novinite
