The historical festival of the Kulikovo Field is a complex of the festive events dealing with the reconstruction of the battle on the Kulikovo Field, which happened in 1380. This battle became a decisive event in the opposition of the Russian princedoms and the Golden Horde and formation of the Muscovy. The festival happens annually on the place of the battle in the contemporary Tula Region. The task of the festival is a re-creation of the far-away, including theatrical performances and costumed shows, master-classes in traditional crafts and medieval trade-fair. The tourists are welcome to the museum of Kulikovo Field, which suggests tour programs for them and special ones for the foreigners as well. Independent travelers should have in mind, that the nearest comfortable hotel is situated in the town of Bogoroditsk not far from the Field.

The tradition to celebrate this date begun in the 19th century, the reconstruction of the battle takes place from the year 1996.

The festival takes place every third weekend of September on the scene of the medieval events. They are the settlement of Monastyrshchina, where the Russian warriors were buried according to the legends, on the Krasnyi Kholm (the Red Hill), where the General Headquarters of the Golden Horde’s commander Mamai was situated, and where the Russians fixed their colors after the victory. Not far from the Krasnyi Kholm, in the place, called Tatinskiye Brody, the camps of the delegations of the clubs of the historic reconstruction from Russia and near abroad.

The festival includes the theatrical performance of the battle, taking place on the September, 19 this year. Except the reconstruction of the battle of 1380, the visitors can see the tournaments in archery, sword craft, where the cavalry and foot-mobile “medieval” warriors will take place. Everybody, who has a historical costume, can take part and win in the competition of the historical costume and armor. The different medieval military activities will be exhibited on the September, 17 – 18, before the battle.

Except the warriors of the late 14th century, the bivouacs of the historical different periods will be represented there to demonstrate the development of the Russian trade of war from the middle Ages till nowadays. It is amusing. As soon as you are fed up with the military thematic visit a trade fair. The trade fair of Krasnokholmskaya Yarmarka with different attractions and master-classes in the traditional crafts will suggest its guests to buy different hand-made souvenirs and try to create something with their own hands (Such souvenirs are much more original, as stacking dolls with faces of Putin, Medvedev and Obama and other Russian souvenirs like that). The trade fair will function on September 19 – 20 this year.

The official cite of the museum of the Kulikovo Field suggests the tours, and special ones for the foreigners as well. They include the guide and excursions in the museums. Independent travelers can find a map on the museum’s website.

If you don’t like this festival, you can visit Tula, the main centre of the Russian arms workshops in the early modern period. It is not far.

Sources:
    www.aif.ru, www.kulpole.ru