1150-year-old Polotsk returns to its medieval youth

May 31, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Knights from five countries will help Polotsk recall its medieval past, the Polotsk City Executive Committee told a BELTA correspondent. The relay of festive events in honor of the city's 1150th anniversary will be picked up by the medieval culture festival "Rubon," which will begin on June 1. This time, its representation is larger than ever - in addition to Belarusian historical reconstruction clubs, knights and warriors from Russia, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Lithuania will take part, as well as folk craft masters from Latvia. They have already confirmed their participation. As part of the celebration, there will be a storming of a medieval castle located in a picturesque historical place on the bank of the Western Dvina River. Knights' tournaments will be held according to the rules of the early and developed Middle Ages. Exciting spectacles of knightly melees - team battles - will not leave indifferent either children or adults. The festival will feature stage areas, master classes in traditional medieval crafts, and visitors will be able to try medieval cuisine and listen to the unique music of that time. Lithuanian historical reconstruction clubs will bring an archery squad to "Rubon," which will participate in competitions, as well as in the storming of the castle. The Latvian side will delegate Latgalian artisans, who have managed to preserve the traditions of ancient craftsmen, as well as creative groups, to the festival. The participation of Latvian and Lithuanian clubs in the festival in Polotsk is one of the events of the EU international technical assistance project "Bella Dvina 2." The festival will last for three days - until June 3. The venue for the festival is the area of the Mound of Immortality. Its name - "Rubon" - is derived from the historical name of the Western Dvina and the ancient battle cry of Polotsk warriors. The festival is aimed at popularizing the land of Polotsk and Belarusian culture. Knights with armor weighing at least 16 kg are allowed to participate in the festival competitions. The weight of the sword should be from 1.2 kg to 1.5 kg, while weapons made of light alloys such as titanium are not allowed. -0-