On July 15, 1410, the Fields of Grunwald saw allied Polish and Lithuanian forces defeat the German Teutonic Order.
The Grunwald Foundation, the organizer of the event, is expecting some 50,000 people during the five-day pageant, with Saturday’s reenactment of the historic battle likely to be attended by around 30,000 spectators.
More than 1,000 reenactors in shining armour will be in action, including members of knights’ brotherhoods from Poland, Lithuania and several West European countries.
The climax of the annual reenactment is a clash in which Polish and Lithuanian knights led by Polish King Władysław Jagiełło slay Teutonic Grand Master Ulrich von Jungingen.
Unlike in previous years, there will be no reenactors from Ukraine as they have joined their country’s army, whereas Russian participants have been banned.
Launched in 1998, the event has become a popular tourist attraction. This year’s reenactment is the first after a two-year break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to the staging of the famous Battle of Grunwald, visitors have the chance to tour a replica of a medieval settlement, with shoemakers’ workshops, smithies, market stalls and beggars.
Other activities include archery tournaments, food and crafts.
(mk/gs)