The Hristo Botev 1871 community centre (chitalishte) in the village of Yabalkovo, Dimitrovgrad municipality, will mark its 155th anniversary on 16 and 17 October. The two-day programme is part of the 65th National Slavic Unity Day festival, the municipality's press office said.

The anniversary is dedicated to the centre's history, its role in local traditions and the cultural life of the village.

On 16 October, the celebration starts before noon outside the chitalishte, with a performance by the Dimitrovgrad Entertainment Wind Orchestra. The official opening is at 11:40am in the theatre hall. In the foyer, visitors can see a photo and document exhibition about Vasil Levski, lent by the National Museum in Karlovo. Pupils from the Vasil Levski primary school will perform an extract from Ivan Vazov's story "The Apostle in Trouble", and the Galaxico ballet school will also take the stage.

On the second day, the programme begins at 10:00am with a talk on the chitalishte's history and its work over the 155 years. The centre's groups and dance ensemble will then perform. Pupils from the Vasil Levski school and children from the Yabalkovo kindergarten will also take part. Amateur performers from the centre's groups will receive certificates of honour and medals. The festival ends with the comedy play "Doctor", staged by amateur actors from Parvomay.

The chitalishte is also one of the organisers of the Festival of the Local Speciality "Puska", held in Yabalkovo since 2017. "Puska" is made in a limited area, from Dimitrovgrad and Haskovo to Parvomay.