A Computer lab on the project "Global Libraries-Bulgaria" was opened in the local community center in the village of Byala in Sliven municipality on the Feast of herbs and healers

Each year on June 24, Midsummer Day, the Foundation "Keeping the spirit of the Bulgarians"at the community center "Hristo Botev" and the mayoralty of the village of Byala, Sliven Municipality, organize celebration of herbs and healers since 2000. According to this popular calendar it is the biggest celebration of herbs. The holiday is dedicated to the sun and the fight against diseases. It is believed that on this day the sun has reached its zenith and before it goes down lower it bathes into the summer aqua vitae. All diseases bathe with it too. According to the legend on Midsummer herbs got their greatest healing power. So on this day people collect them. They make from the herbs “enyovski" posies and wreaths, a large wreath is wrapped and people go under it for health. Perform is transmitted of Local rituals like "quiet water" and "Midsummer bride" were performed and they passed from generation to generation, rules are called. The celebration has become an emblem of the village for a long time.

The official opening ceremony of a computer lab equipped in the library at the local community centre by program "Global Libraries - Bulgaria" was also included in the program of the celebration. Guests of the event and of the unique celebration of herbs and healers were the governor of Sliven region Mr. Marin Kavrakov, Mr. Hristo Karabekirov – a vice-governor, Ms. Petya Rumenova – A Secretary of Sliven Municipality, Ms. Dora Eskidarova – a head of "Culture and religion" department in Sliven Municipality, Mrs. Rosica Petrova-Vasileva – a directress of "Sava Dobroplodni" regional library in Sliven and a regional coordinator of the project "Global Libraries-Bulgaria", councilors, volunteers from the Peace Corps, community center workers and librarians from Sliven and many local people.

 The Feast of herbs and healers was opened by the Mayor of the village of Byala Mr. Zhelyu Zhelev. Children's from the folklore group at the community centre performed traditional rituals and spells. The celebration continued with performances by the dance ensemble for folklore at the community center.

After the unique performances, the governor Mr. Kavrakov congratulated the residents of the village with festival and wished it to continue in the future, for only thus will be preserved for future generations Bulgarian traditions and customs. Mrs. Rosica Petrova - Vasileva welcomed the audience with a speech. She outlined that "Hristo Botev" community centre implemented successfully not only traditional activities for a community center, but through its participation in the project "Global Libraries-Bulgaria" it offers to the population of the village modern information services, and it is now a part of the information society without borders. With its initiatives and projects it has become an integral part of community life.

After the ceremony the governor Mr. Marin Kavrakov, Ms. Petia Rumenova and Mrs. Rosica Petrova officially opened the computer lab.