Military Reenactments

To get a feel for what life was like in the late medieval period, check out the Frýdlant Tournament, which runs from June 22nd to 24th. The tournament is one for registered participants only, not the general public. At past tournaments, they’ve had an international crowd, so English is not a problem. The tournament includes single and group combat, along with archery contests and medieval football. One requirement is that people in costume must match the set period of 1330 to 1400. If you’re interested in next year’s tournament, contact the organizers. They will even offer advice on whether your dress is appropriate.

This event is for lovers of middle-aged combat, culture, food, wine and – uh – weddings. The Battle at Mělník (Bitva na Mělníku) is fought between the Red and White Dukes, who represent the two types of wine. (Mělník was once an important wine growing town.) The backstory gives you a sense of the events flavor – excuse the pun. The day will end with a wedding on the battlefield. English speaking participants are welcome, but you must comply with the dress rules. You can contact the organizers (in Czech) for more information.

Some of the battles which are recreated are not ones which took place in the Czech lands. Battle Budyně (Bitva Budyně) recreates a battle between the Swiss confederacy and the Dukes of Burgundy from the year 1474, a time when the Swiss were known more for their fearsome pike men than clocks and chocolate. The event also gives you a chance to explore the castle, which will be equipped to look like the period. There will also be a market which the organizers claim tries to imitate a medieval market. Participation is through invitation only, so contact the organizers if you’re interested. The event has an international feel and the rules for participants are in English.

Not all the reenactments are medieval. Everyone has heard of the Battle of White Mountain. The loss by the Bohemian forces ensured the Czech lands stayed within the Hapsburg fold for over two more centuries, and the execution of prominent Czech nobles did a lot to suppress Czech nationalism for a time. Given the event’s significance, it’s no surprise that there is a reenactment. The event proves to be a big affair, covering two days from September 22nd to 23rd (yes, we know, the real battle took place on November 8th.) The performance will include cannon fire and dancing, with a recreation of two battles on each day starting at 15:00 (yes, we know, there was only one battle.) The event is open to participants from many countries, so if you’ve ever been curious about one of the Czech Republic’s major historical events, here’s a chance to experience what the battle might have been like.

If the seventeenth century is still too old, military enthusiasts do stage somewhat more modern battles. One of the largest military reenactments is the Battle of Three Emperors at Slavkov, just outside of Brno. At the battle, Napoleon’s army defeated the larger combined forces of the Russians and Austrians. The reenactment has drawn large crowds, especially for the 200th anniversary in 2005, when the crowd cheered on their favorite army. And while it is a little strange to see the war treated as a spectator sport, the field shrouded in gun smoke, the ground churned by horses and the report of the guns gives some sense of one of Napoleon’s most decisive battles.

Otherwise, the reconstruction of the Battle of Slivice could be for you. The so-called final battle in Europe during the Second World War was between combined US, Czech and Soviet forces against the remnants of the German army, holding out after Germany’s surrender. The Mining Museum of Příbram has been holding reenactments for the past few years. The director of the museum said there should be something next year on May 11th, but it would be best to check their website for details closer to the date.