Rusborg
Lipetsk Region, Russia. 2016.
Rusborg is Europe’s second-largest Viking festival, held near Yelets. In 2016, it brought together 846 participants and 15,000 spectators. The organizers emphasize patriotism and the history of Rus, officially banning political symbols. At the same time, the festival’s leadership actively supports the war in Ukraine, collects aid for the front, and conducts patriotic lectures reflecting the state position. Since 2022, the participation of clubs from “unfriendly Western countries” has been officially prohibited by the rules. A number of participants are involved in combat operations against Ukraine.
Radical nationalism is suppressed in favor of state-aligned patriotism.
Rusborg
Lipetsk Region. Rusborg historical reenactment camp. 2016. Entrance.
Lipetsk Region. Rusborg historical reenactment camp. 2016. Many reenactors pass their passion on to their children, sewing them clothes and raising them through elements of medi games.
Lipetsk Region. Rusborg historical reenactment camp. 2016. Reenactors not only wear authentic clothing they have made themselves, but often cook and organize their daily life according to the technologies of the period.
Lipetsk Region. Rusborg historical reenactment camp. 2016. Music holds a special place in the camp’s Viking culture: on the one hand, ultra-contemporary folk-rock bands, on the other, the making and playing of authentic instruments.
Lipetsk Region. Rusborg historical reenactment camp. 2016. Clothing is made mainly from Russian linen produced locally.
Lipetsk Region. Rusborg historical reenactment camp. 2016. One thing that has definitely not changed since the eleventh and twelfth centuries is hygiene in the camp.
Lipetsk Region. Rusborg historical reenactment camp. 2016. All combats are strictly regulated to avoid injuring an opponent, especially since most participants are friends.
Lipetsk Region. Rusborg historical reenactment camp. 2016. Even with a strict code of honor and combat rules, minor injuries are inevitable, so medical care must be thoroughly modern.
Lipetsk Region. Rusborg historical reenactment camp. 2016. Modern reenactors often resemble a form of steampunk culture more than the past they seek to revive.
