Historical festivals, traditionally held in a number of European countries for more than a dozen years, have a sufficient number of common features. Major events of this kind serve not only to attract tourists, but also as a meeting place for lovers of historical reconstruction from different countries. Much attention at these festivals is paid to the recreation of the everyday life of the era, which allows the participants of the holiday to make a kind of journey into the depths of history.
In late May - early June, the Italian commune of Pavone Canavese hosts the Ferie Medievali, or Medieval Fair, organized by the local historical and cultural association Ij Ruset. The spectacular holiday, during which the main city of the commune returns to the Middle Ages, includes an international tournament in historical fencing, an equestrian tournament and performances by theater groups. This event is traditionally attended by representatives of historical reconstruction clubs from Italy, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Norway and a number of other European countries. In 2012, the festival took place for the eighteenth time.
The Royal Silver Plating Festival is a symbolic opening of the tourist season in the Czech town of Kutná Hora, located not far from the capital. This event takes place in the last days of June and is a large theatrical performance, in which both professional groups and townspeople, dressed in historical costumes from the beginning of the 15th century, take part. The festival opens with the arrival of King Wenceslas IV and his court in Kutná Hora. The two-day celebration, held for the twenty-first time in 2012, includes a fair, performances by bands and knights' tournaments.
In early August, the historical festival Medieval Week takes place on the Swedish island of Gotland, which begins with a recreation of the events of the summer of 1361. Then the Danish king Waldemar Atterdag with his army landed on the west coast of the island. A battle took place at the walls of the city of Visby, in which the defenders of the island, who did not receive the support of the townspeople, were defeated. The program of the festival, which is annually attended by about 150 thousand people, includes performances by street theaters and bands playing medieval music, a fair where you can buy clothes and household items made in the tradition of historical reconstruction.
Since 1995, on the last weekend of August, the Danish town of Horsens has hosted an annual medieval festival, considered one of the largest European events of its kind. In addition to traditional performances by theater and music groups, the festival program includes lectures and master classes, whose participants have the opportunity to master the basics of archery and work in a 14th century bakery. During the holiday, considerable attention is paid to the recreation of historical everyday realities.
