Just a month until the main event of the Alexandrovskaya Sloboda museum-reserve — the "Ivanov Day" festival. It is here, in the beloved domain of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, that for more than ten years the celebration has been drawing thousands of guests. Preparations are coming to an end. Therefore, on the very first day of this week a meeting was held where Larisa Zarayskaya, deputy director of the museum-reserve, presented the event program in detail to specialists and discussed it with colleagues. "This year this large-scale event is planned for August 24, and we, the museum staff, are preparing thoroughly. It should be noted that no two 'Ivanov Day' celebrations are the same — themes are chosen differently each year, the program is always carefully worked out, and the best ensembles from many cities are invited to participate. We strive to fully immerse visitors in the era of the Middle Ages and the first Russian tsar, which is why the festival gains popularity time and time again. This year it takes place under the resonant slogan 'Ivanov Day. Grozny Fest'. A theatrical spectacular 'Ivan the Terrible and Anastasia. More Than Love' will be presented in a completely new format. The theme of family is more than relevant and understandable to everyone," Larisa Zarayskaya shared.
But that's not all the surprises! The costume tour beloved by guests of the Tsar's Palace — featuring the oprichniks, an audience with Ivan the Terrible and the "Choosing of the Tsar's Bride" — will continue with a grand celebration at the "Poteshny Dvor." Much here will be in a new format: the favorite equestrian show will be staged as a historical reconstruction; a falconry demonstration with a tamed and trained falcon; an interactive exhibition of ancient armor and weapons with commentary from experts, where the "exhibits" can be touched and handled.
For the first time at the 'Poteshny Dvor' — a quest. Its theme, "Before the Battle," recreates the clash between the forces of Ivan the Terrible and the Tatar khan Dervish-Ali. On the field, in a large stylized 16th-century camp, a living history theatre combined with an educational quest will unfold. A team of participants, with the help of instructors and a time machine (as in the film "Ivan Vasilievich Changes Profession"), will travel to the past to overcome six themed locations. Along the way — a camp of the Russian landed army, a gulyai-gorod with artillery and streltsy, a Tatar steppe yurt, and tents with a field kitchen. The most interesting part is the finale. (By the way, the quest can be attended using the "Pushkin Card".)
As usual, a craft fair with traditional master classes is planned, along with a row of stalls offering dishes based on medieval recipes, lively folk music, a photo zone with historical costumes, and of course souvenirs, including those specially created for the upcoming 'Ivanov Day'.
