FestRider Photo Blog

Overcoming the Time of Troubles: The Decisive Battle

Omsk, Omsk Fortress
Full Story: 48 photosQuick Impression: 27 photos
They are the first to take part in demonstration firings for the spectators
It all starts with a skirmish between small units
Just one cannon shot remains to be demonstrated — then the combat can begin!
And now, the entire army of Hetman Khodkevich enters the battle
The onslaught is powerful, and the Russian forces are forced to retreat
Within just a few minutes, the battlefield is shrouded in clouds of gunpowder smoke
The reenactors fully captured the intensity of the fight
Even back then, artillery had the power to decide the outcome of the confrontation
This is roughly how the Battle for Moscow was depicted in old engravings
The glorious victory of the militia effectively sealed the end of the Time of Troubles
The battle performance traditionally ends with an “attack” by the enthusiastic spectators
Festival guests are invited to take photos with members of the historical clubs
By bringing history to life, you can spark interest much faster and more convincingly
These programs clearly illustrate the origins of the Day of National Unity
The emotions are completely genuine: what the audience saw just half an hour ago simply cannot fail to impress
Interactive stations introduce the basics of military skills
Here, pikemen are training in formation
An experienced instructor shows how to hold and thrust with a pike
Everyone manages to hit the target — though it takes some effort
Archery duels are open to all visitors
Teens don’t need much guidance: the time allotted for the duel feels too short for them
A particularly complex branch of martial craft is artillery operation
Every cannon requires a crew of three, each with their own duties
The demonstration of preparing for a shot ends with a spectacular discharge
They’re also eager to share their knowledge with the younger generation
Thanks to the festival, reenactors from different clubs get to learn from each other
The riverbank is gradually emptying: the action will continue inside the fortress grounds

Continuing with the Theme

…so they’re ready to answer any questions — especially about the great bell from 1904126 shots

Big Bells Return to the Small Homeland

Tyumen, Gilyovskaya Grove

But the festival is all about bringing people together around our real history84 shots

Once Upon an Autumn, 412 Years Ago

Omsk, Omsk Fortress

In the end, the Polish‑Lithuanian garrison in the Kremlin was forced to surrender63 shots

Battle for Moscow: Seen Through the Ages from Siberia

Omsk, Omsk Fortress

The festival goes on, creating a full sense of being transported to the century before last210 shots

Summer Gathering: Siberians and Their Traditions

Bolsherechye (Omsk Region)

And now the Great Siberian Round Dances begin!150 shots

Summer Gathering: Crafting, Dancing, Celebrating!

Bolsherechye (Omsk Region)

This is what aiming might have looked like in the 17th century30 shots

The Moscow Realm — The Tara Frontier Watch

Omsk, Omsk Fortress

All Photo Stories: 56