Giro d’Italia 2026 in Plovdiv
May 5 - July 7
Plovdiv will be one of the key host cities of Giro d’Italia 2026, welcoming the event with a program that combines sport, culture, lighting installations, music, wine, and vibrant urban energy. Starting on May 5, the city will enter the Giro spirit with conceptual artistic lighting of major historical and architectural landmarks in the colors of Giro d’Italia, including the Ancient Theatre, the Roman Stadium, houses in the Old Town, Kapana District, and more. The city will also install dedicated urban branding related to its hosting role, as well as a city installation featuring a replica of the Giro d’Italia Trofeo senza Fine.
On May 9, Plovdiv will host a warm-up party for Giro d’Italia with a DJ stage at Central Square. The highlight comes on May 10, when Plovdiv gives the official start of the stage along the route Central Square – Tsar Boris III Obedinitel Blvd. – Bulgaria Blvd. The program includes a city parade with students, musicians, and artists dressed in Giro colors, a pop-rock and jazz concert at the Ancient Theatre, and a city cycling marathon with games, prizes, and music.
Throughout the day, visitors will also enjoy the initiative “Bulgarian Wine and Gourmet Meet Giro.” From May 8 to May 10, 2026, the Old Town of Plovdiv will also host the Wine and Gourmet Festival, turning the ancient city into a stage for flavors, wines, and stories. In addition, the Archaeological Underpass will present “Crafts and Arts – The Local Spirit Welcomes Giro in Plovdiv.”
