Our Grunwald 2025 — Medieval Reenactment Festival in Dudutki, Belarus

Belarusian Museum Complex “Dudutki” is preparing to become the center of a large-scale historical spectacle. On July 19 and 20, 2025, for the sixteenth time, the legendary international historical reenactment festival “Our Grunwald” will be held here — an event that will turn a quiet corner of the Minsk region into a true medieval battlefield.

History That Unites Generations

The “Our Grunwald” festival began in 2008 and has since become a true calling card of Belarusian historical reenactment. Its main mission is the preservation of historical memory through full immersion in the era of 1370–1500. This is not just an entertainment event, but a serious attempt to recreate the atmosphere of the times when the fate of Eastern Europe was decided. The central event of the festival traditionally becomes the reenactment of the famous Battle of Grunwald, which took place on July 15, 1410. It was then that the combined forces of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland dealt a crushing defeat to the army of the Teutonic Order, ending two centuries of crusader domination in the region.

A Grand Spectacle for All Ages

This year, the organizers promise an especially vivid program. More than 450 participants from various historical reenactment clubs will gather in Dudutki to recreate not only the battle itself but an entire world of medieval culture. The main event will be a full-scale reenactment of the Battle of Grunwald. Spectators will see several hundred foot knights in full combat armor, heavily armed cavalry, and even artillery of that era. The organizers promise that the spectacle will look as authentic and grand as possible. A special highlight of the program will be a full-contact mounted knight tournament with all-wood lances, conducted strictly according to 15th-century rules. This rare spectacle is organized at this level in only a few countries in the world today. The main task of the participants remains unchanged from ancient times: to unseat the opponent with a strike of a long lance or to break the lance on his shield.

Diversity of Medieval Amusements

The festival program is designed so that every guest can find something to their liking. In addition to the grand reenactment of the battle, visitors will be able to watch various types of knightly duels: foot battles in the shield-and-sword format, halberdiers’ and spearmen’s tournaments. Of special interest are the plate armor tournaments, conducted according to the historical rules of the 15th century. Archery enthusiasts will have the opportunity to observe competitions of archers and crossbowmen using weapons and techniques of that time. Spectators will also see tactical maneuvers of medieval warriors: castle sieges, battles on bridges, and other military tricks of that era.

Craftsmen’s City and Interactive Entertainments

The festival offers not only passive observation but also active participation. More than one hundred craftsmen will demonstrate their skills in a specially organized Craftsmen’s City. Here, one can see the process of making armor, weapons, jewelry, clay products, and much more. Visitors will be able not only to watch the craftsmen at work but also to try their hand at various crafts under the guidance of professionals. Interactive areas invite visitors to feel like true medieval warriors. Here, you can take a fencing master class, learn to shoot a bow, complete a knight’s obstacle course, or participate in “Highlanders’ Games.” For the bravest, a “medieval torture chamber” is organized, and for romantically inclined guests — master classes in historical dances and old board games.

Musical Program and Festive Atmosphere

The first day of the festival will conclude with the concert program “Feast After the Battle.” Folk and rock bands, whose names the organizers are keeping secret for now, will perform on stage. This creates additional intrigue and anticipation among festival fans. The musical component of the festival has always been an important part of the program, as it helps create a full medieval festive atmosphere, where after hard-fought battles, warriors would gather to celebrate victory or honor the memory of fallen comrades.

Practical Information for Visitors

The organizers have taken care of the comfort of festival guests. Tickets can be purchased on the official event website, from partners, or directly at the ticket offices of the “Dudutki” museum complex. Getting to the festival venue is easy, especially from Minsk — by car, the journey takes less than an hour. A free parking lot for one thousand cars is organized for motorists. Those who prefer public transportation have several options: a festival bus from Minsk or a transfer from the Rudensk railway station. For true lovers of the medieval atmosphere, a tent camp is organized, equipped with all necessary amenities: water, toilets, and waste collection containers. A food court will be located in the immediate vicinity of the camp.

Cultural Significance of the Event

The “Our Grunwald” festival is a unique phenomenon in the cultural life of Belarus. It brings together people of different ages and interests, providing an opportunity to touch history not through books or films, but through live participation and observation. The educational aspect of the event is of particular value. Children and adults have the chance to learn more about the history of their country and the region as a whole, understand the significance of historical events, and feel a connection to the past. This contributes to the formation of historical consciousness and patriotic feelings.

Conclusion

The “Our Grunwald” festival in Dudutki is more than just entertainment. It is a journey through time, an opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages and feel the spirit of an era when the fates of peoples were decided. On July 19 and 20, 2025, everyone will be able to witness a historical spectacle and gain unforgettable impressions from encountering living history. The invitation to participate in this grand celebration of history is open to all — from military history enthusiasts to families with children, from fans of medieval culture to those simply looking for unusual experiences and bright emotions.