Rus’, Horde, and Vikings in helmets with wings
International Festival dedicated to the historical re-enactment took place in Kyiv region
May 18 through 20 the 5th International Mega-Festival dedicated to the Kyivan Rus’ of the 13th century took place in the Kyivan Rus’ Park. More than 300 historical re-enactment participants took on reproducing the events of that era. The most interesting was the demonstration of the battle of Syni Vody and the “Old Rus’ Strife” fight.
The festival “Kyivan Rus’ of the 13th century,” which, according to organizers is one of the most impressive of those held on the territory of Eastern Europe, gathered history fans from many countries. Volodymyr Yanchenko, director of the Park of Kyivan Rus’ emphasized that all the battles have a happy ending. “Any friendship depends on the knowledge of traditions that has been shaped not on the outside but inside, deep in our people,” said director of the park.
“Such events are useful for one’s background and deepening of the knowledge of history and, at the same time, this is a good recreation,” said “Viking” in a helmet with wings. He turned out to be a Cherkasy region resident, who came to the festival with the “Vikings” group.
Among the guests of the festival there are people with lots of experience. Former reenactor of historical battles of Western Europe Vitalii, nicknamed “Aris,” came drawn by nostalgic feelings. “For people it is primarily a chance to participate in history, to understand what the level of culture of our ancestors was,” he said. However, in his opinion, such weather is not too good for such battles. “In heat like this when you are wearing all this armor and somebody hits you on your head with an ax, you simply want to lie down and die,” he noted.
“Great Hippodrome” was the main arena of the festival. This was the place where warriors fought with enemies, attacked string of carts, and tried strength against each other.
Children kept pace with adults. Armored with wooden swords and bows with arrows, they “fought” right next to the battle field for adults. While “knights” and nimble kids kicked up dust on the arena, other visitors strolled through the crafts fair.
It is important that it was stressed at the Festival: this year we celebrate 1,530th anniversary of the foundation of Kyiv, 1,150th anniversary of Kyivan Rus’, and 1,130th anniversary of The Day Kyiv was proclaimed its capital. Next weekend we will celebrate The Day of Kyiv. Let’s see if top officials will remember about these important dates.
