International Military History Festival "Dunamunde 2010"

Today, 10 July, the festival "Dunamunde 2010" took place at Daugavgrīva Fortress, with the participation of 15 military history clubs from Latvia, Russia, Lithuania, Poland, and Finland. Walking through the camps set up on the fortress grounds, visitors could explore history from mediaeval knightly tournaments and the battles of the Great Northern War and the Napoleonic Wars, right through to the First World War. Many tried their hand at shooting with a bow, crossbow, and musket. It was also possible to forge an ancient Riga bronze coin and delight one's eyes viewing garments, accessories, and of course weaponry from various eras.

During the festival, an artisans' market operated with items of forged metalwork, wickerwork, woodcarving, and baked goods. Food and drink were provided by "Witch's Kitchen," whose slogan was: "The only work that feeds you is eating." Not bad, is it?! :)

On the stage set up in the centre, various folklore ensembles, soloists, and dancers from the Oriental dance studio "Zafira" performed with Romani and belly dances. The military demonstrations drew particular attention - these were put on by all the military history clubs in drawn-lots order. There was no shortage of cannon thunder and rifle smoke. Soldiers of the armies of Charles XII and Peter I were represented, as well as warriors from the Napoleonic War era - from the French and Prussian armies.

The heat in the open field, or when climbing up onto the earthworks, was quite unbearable - well over +30 in the sun - so very few, apart of course from the festival participants themselves, could endure and watch all the festival's attractions from the opening at 12:00 through to the close at 19:30. However, the event continues tomorrow as well.