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.