FestRider Photo Blog

Once Upon an Autumn, 412 Years Ago

Omsk, Omsk Fortress
Full Story: 84 photosQuick Impression: 33 photos
The organizers hail from Omsk, Tara, Bolsherechye, Sargatskoe, and Pavlogradka
…and see the warriors’ resolve in the fight for their homeland
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
Finally, the training maneuvers come to an end
The reenactors take up their positions
The sun has vanished for good, but the most exciting part is just beginning
This is the camp of the Polish invaders who seized Moscow
The program opens with demonstration volleys, and the Poles go first
Hundreds of spectators came to learn about the story of the capital’s liberation
Archers are also deployed in large numbers on both sides
Under Minin and Pozharsky, the ranks included servicemen, townspeople, and peasants
All of them, regardless of rank, swore to fight to the death
And here comes the first deafening cannon shot of the day!
Infantry armed with long‑range muskets pose a serious threat
Even a modern reenactment lets you feel the intensity of that confrontation
Many clashes turn into close‑quarters combat
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
The traditional finale of the battle reenactment is a dramatic “charge” toward the audience
Festival director Vasily Minin is pleased with how the vision has come to life
And the images themselves will stay in Omsk residents’ family albums
Visitors from Cameroon will take home these unusual pictures
But the festival is all about bringing people together around our real history
It’s best to watch with all your attention and cover your ears after the thunderous “Fire!”
It’s great when you manage to surprise and engage new people with living history
Pikes were actively used in assaults right at the start of the 17th century
Tired recruits at the activity zones are treated to the famous porridge of Peter the Great
Let’s hope that next year the sun will give the festival a full day, not just the morning!

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

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

Even young children will remember the feelings from this celebration and grow up with them60 shots

Victory Day: Bridging the Past and the Future

Omsk, Victory Park

All Photo Stories: 48