The Izborsk Fortress is a symbol of the defense of the Russian land, the main outpost of the north-western borders.
Every year, on the first weekend of August, the 'Iron Town' festival of military-historical reenactment and medieval culture is held in Izborsk. The festival date is timed to coincide with the Day of the Airborne Forces.
Photo: Anastasia Tarasova
At the festival, historical reenactment clubs from Pskov, Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Tula and Belgorod recreate events of the 14th–17th centuries, offering an opportunity to 'immerse' yourself in the medieval era and introducing visitors to the culture, traditions, customs, life and martial exploits of warriors.
The main festival venue will be the Izborsk Fortress (Pskov Region, Izborsk).
The program includes a ceremonial opening of the festival, a march and formation of participants, a historical costume parade, lecture series, a battle staged according to maneuver rules, an archery tournament, children's and craft areas, and musical performances.
Photo: Anastasia Tarasova
Photo: Anastasia Tarasova
Photo: Anastasia Tarasova
Photo: Anastasia Tarasova
Photo: Anastasia Tarasova
Photo: Anastasia Tarasova
Festival program
• from 10:00 to 20:00 – medieval fair;
• from 12:00 to 18:00 – workshops on traditional crafts;
• from 12:00 to 18:00 – the children's interactive area 'Living History' will be open. Secrets and tastings of medieval cuisine, game-journeys through the towns of Ancient Rus', historical photo zone;
• from 12:00 to 18:00 – exhibition of weapons and armor 'Valor of the Ages', historical lecture series;
• from 12:00 to 20:00 – interactive area 'Streltsy Camp'. Introduction to the life and organization of a medieval military field camp, bow and throwing ranges;
• at 14:00 – festival opening. Presentation of clubs. Parade of historical costumes and armor of the 14th–15th centuries, battle staged according to maneuver rules;
• from 15:30 – performance by the ethno-folk group Bee Celtic. Master class on medieval dances;
• from 17:00 – the 16th–17th centuries in the history of Izborsk. Parade of historical costumes and armor of the 16th–17th centuries, demonstration performances by clubs, reconstruction of a battle episode;
• from 18:00 – performance by the ethno-folk group Bee Celtic.
Photo: Anastasia Tarasova
The festival is held with the informational support of the Russian Military-Historical Society and in cooperation with the Pskov regional branch of the 'Defenders of the Fatherland' fund.
See you in Izborsk!
