Medieval festival to mark 1150th anniversary of Polotsk

VITEBSK, 31 May (BelTA) – Knights from five countries will come to Polotsk for the Rubon medieval festival, BelTA learnt from the Polotsk City Hall. The medieval festival makes part of the program dedicated to the 1150th anniversary of Polotsk. This year the list of participants includes historical reenactment clubs from Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. The festival will feature the reenactment of the assault on a medieval castle located on the picturesque bank of the Western Dvina River. Knights tournaments will be held according to the 6-13th centuries rules. The festival will also involve master classes in traditional medieval trades. There will be an opportunity to taste medieval cuisine and listen to unique music of those times. The Lithuanian historical reenactment clubs will bring a team of bowmen that will take part both in competitions and the castle assault. Latvia will send Latgalian craftsmen who have managed to preserve their forefathers’ traditions. Participation of the Latvian and Lithuanian clubs will attend the Polotsk festival as part of the EU Bella Dvina 2 international technical assistance project. The festival will last three days, until 3 June. The word Rubon is the historical name of the Western Dvina River and the battle-cry of Polotsk warriors. The festival aims at popularization of Polotsk traditions and Belarusian culture. There are certain requirements to knights’ armor. It should weigh at least 16kg. A sword should be from 1.2kg to 1.5kg heavy. Weapons of light alloys such as titanium are not allowed.

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