MEDIEVAL FEST OF PRESLAV

Go back to the medieval Preslav

During two days in May, Veliki Preslav plunges back into its past. The archeological museum, the Preslav municipality and “Avitohol” association (Varna) organize a festival fest close to the archaeological ruins. The organizers have reconstructed old stores at the foot of the southern gate of the fortress. The audience will have the opportunity to watch demonstrations of the participants : forge household items and metal armour, ceramics, decorations, jewelry, coins, woodworking, cooking, military and fire art.

In 2019…the 4th and 5th of May

Program

4th May, Saturday

11.00 am – 12.00 am – Official opening, open-air museum, live history, demonstration of medieval land and horse fighting practices, horse-riding demonstrations – horse archery and martial arts with a saber, whip, and spear.

12.00 – 13.00 – Presentation of clothing, armaments, and equipment from the Middle Ages

13.00 – 13.30 – Presentation of Medieval War Skills and Army Structure;

13.30 – 14.30 – Presentation of Medieval Food
15.00 – 16.00 – Medieval school for young wars – training of young people and children in archery, copying, shield, and sword

16.00 – 17.00 – Medieval games and entertainment for small and large.

17.00 – 18.00 – Presentation of military techniques and armies in the Middle Ages. Presentation of a stage for welcoming Romani messengers in Veliki Preslav

Throughout the day – an open-air museum, live history, craft workshops, and stands, medieval games, and entertainment

19.00 – 20.00 – Medieval rituals and religious practices, demonstration of fighting skills with fire: “Firewall”

5th May, Sunday

From 10.00 am – Open-air museum, live history, medieval camps, craft workshops, and stands, archery, games, etc

11.00 – 12.00 – presentation of armies during the Middle Ages, combat practices

12.00 – 13.00 – presentation of clothing, armaments, and equipment during the Middle Ages.

13.00 – 14.00 – Medieval school for young wars – training of youngsters and children in archery, spear, shield, and saber

14.00 – 16.00 – Presentation of the Early Medieval Life and Culture, Demonstrative Collection of the Yurt

16.00 – closing of the meeting

Medieval Fest 2019 — Medieval Fest, 2019 edition, Preslav / ©Alice de Villeblanche

History…

Veliki Preslav (“Preslav the Great”) was a Bulgarian medieval town, which was the second capital of the First Bulgarian Empire (after Pliska), between 893 and 971. This capital was a rich capital and a brilliant cultural center where a new Bulgarian, Christian, and predominantly Slavic civilization was developed. In 971, it was conquered by the Byzantine Emperor, Jean Tzmiscès then during the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185-1393), it was replaced as capital by Veliko Tarnovo.

The town was a strategic fortress and an important place for a dignitary of the Bulgarian Empire. At the accession of Simeon Ist in 893, in connection with the transition of the country’s ruling class, the proto-Bulgarian boyars, from tengrism to Christianity (Orthodox), Preslav becomes the capital of the Bulgarian Empire. According to Boris I wishes, it will become the spiritual centre of the new religion and the cultural home of the new nation. It was here that a famous church with a central plan was built, the Round Church. The town is also famous for its treasure of gold and Byzantine jewelries.

Preslav sheltered clerical scholars such as Constantine of Preslav and John the Exarch, successors of Cyril and Methodius, who translated many works of Byzantine religious and historical literature into old Slavic.