Once Upon an Autumn, 412 Years Ago
The “Feat of 1612” festival, rooted in the origins of the Day of National Unity, grows more familiar and more spectacular with each passing year. For the fourth time, enthusiasts from the Association of Military‑Historical Clubs “Servicemen of Siberia” staged a battle reenactment on the banks of the Irtysh River, followed by martial arts workshops at the Omsk Fortress — together with like‑minded reenactors from Tomsk and Kemerovo.
Rehearsals and Preparations
The festival brought together military history experts from three Siberian regions
Guests from Tomsk and Kemerovo are also well acquainted with the events of the 17th century
The organizers hail from Omsk, Tara, Bolsherechye, Sargatskoe, and Pavlogradka
Before the official opening, the battle scenes need to be rehearsed
Fortifications have been erected on the Irtysh River bank near the Omsk Fortress
Heavy cannons are carefully lowered down the slope to the water
Unfortunately, the November sun is fickle and will soon hide behind the clouds
For now, the bright light lets you take in the Russian militia’s gear…
…and see the warriors’ resolve in the fight for their homeland
All the key movements across the battlefield are being practiced
Large‑scale productions don’t happen often, so everyone is full of enthusiasm
Even newcomers got the chance to participate after completing a month‑long training
The rehearsal doesn’t involve the use of gunpowder
And without the gunpowder smoke, the banners of the opposing sides are clearly visible
Meanwhile, non‑firearm weapons are used without restrictions
Finally, the training maneuvers come to an end
So far, everything is going well
All that’s left is to listen to the final instructions from the director of this grand spectacle
Decisive Battle
And now the decisive battle is upon us!
The sun has vanished for good, but the most exciting part is just beginning
The reenactors take up their positions
This is the camp of the Polish invaders who seized Moscow
Hundreds of spectators came to learn about the story of the capital’s liberation
It almost seems as if Hetman Khodkevich’s troops already know how it will all end
Still, they remain a formidable force
Among their ranks are dashing musketeers — professional mercenaries
These are seasoned, well‑trained regular soldiers who are hard to stand against
The program opens with demonstration volleys, and the Poles go first
Archers are also deployed in large numbers on both sides
The bow will be replaced by arquebuses and pistols only after the Time of Troubles ends
For now, it’s the Russian militia’s turn to fire a volley: preparing a shot takes up to two minutes
Under Minin and Pozharsky, the ranks included servicemen, townspeople, and peasants
All of them, regardless of rank, swore to fight to the death
Young bloggers get the chance to capture the best shots
And here comes the first deafening cannon shot of the day!
The Polish forces launch their attack: the Russians’ tactic is to hold the fortifications
Hetman’s troops failed to catch the militia off guard
Fierce fighting unfolds on several fronts
Both sides launch attacks and counterattacks, suffering losses
At first, fortune favors the foreign troops
Even a modern reenactment lets you feel the intensity of that confrontation
Infantry armed with long‑range muskets pose a serious threat
Many clashes turn into close‑quarters combat
For a while, the invaders press their advantage
But the Russians’ fighting spirit is stronger — they’re defending their ancestral lands
The battle’s finale unfolds in Zamoskvorechye
Earthworks have been built here, and remnants of wooden fortifications remain
The militia’s artillery is small in number but effective
The Poles make one last desperate assault
They no longer have enough infantry for urban fighting
Despite the losses, the battle for Moscow ends in victory for the Russian forces
The fortress guests have just turned one of the most important pages in the country’s history
The traditional finale of the battle reenactment is a dramatic “charge” toward the audience
Now it’s time for countless keepsake photos
Visitors from Cameroon will take home these unusual pictures
Footage from Omsk will travel to the homelands of the reenactors from Tomsk and Kemerovo
And the images themselves will stay in Omsk residents’ family albums
Military Arts Workshops
Festival director Vasily Minin is pleased with how the vision has come to life
Workshops on the military arts of bygone centuries are now underway
At the new location, one will find bronze bells cast according to historical profiles
The organizers never stop interacting with festival visitors
We are free to touch everything and ask questions about how it was made
The cannon crew area is one of the most popular spots
Cannoners — the elite troops of the 17th century — are stern and not much for small talk
Just an hour ago, these warriors were opponents on the battlefield
But the festival is all about bringing people together around our real history
Loading a cannon takes a three‑person crew
Now come the tense seconds of waiting for the dramatic shot
It’s best to watch with all your attention and cover your ears after the thunderous “Fire!”
The neighboring location is given to the musketeers
Here, they talk about portable firearms
After a mini‑lecture on how a musket works, the much‑anticipated shot follows
Reenactors always have plenty to discuss
Old weapons aren’t perfect: a synchronized volley is a rare thing
It’s great when you manage to surprise and engage new people with living history
The central area is dedicated to drill and pikemen’s combat
By the way, foreigners are happy to take part in these festival activities too
Both guests and organizers can practice attacking with pikes
Pikes were actively used in assaults right at the start of the 17th century
The strict instructor makes the training tough but effective
The excitement is off the charts: landing a solid thrust on a moving target is no easy feat
Tired recruits at the activity zones are treated to the famous porridge of Peter the Great
For many locals, the Omsk Fortress has already become a key place to visit
Let’s hope that next year the sun will give the festival a full day, not just the morning!
