At the invitation of the State Cultural Reserve of Kernavė, a delegation from Atira Ruthenia's Kyiv branch, led by Bohdan Ostroushenko, took part in the 26th International Festival of Experimental Archaeology, "Days of Live Archaeology in Kernavė", held on 4–6 July 2026 in Lithuania.
Kernavė was one of the earliest capitals of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and its archaeological site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. For a club that reconstructs life in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Ruthenia and Samogitia at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, it is hard to think of a more fitting place. This year's festival took "A Coloured Past" as its theme: naturally dyed clothing, painted shields and banners.
A Ruthenian noble household and workshops for visitors
Our camp presented a reconstruction of a late 14th-century Ruthenian noble household, and as part of the festival programme the team ran educational workshops for visitors. Afterwards, the head of the festival project shared this assessment:
"Atira Ruthenia was a wonderful addition to the 26th International Festival of Experimental Archaeology, 'Days of Live Archaeology in Kernavė.' The team showed exceptional historical accuracy in everything they did, from their daily camp activities to their reconstruction of a late 14th-century Ruthenian noble household. Their workshops were consistently full and engaging, and visitors of all ages were drawn in by the team's warmth and openness. They took part in the wider festival programme alongside other participants and connected naturally with audiences. Atira Ruthenia is a welcome and valuable partner for any event that brings history to life." — Austėja Luchtanaitė, Project Head, Days of Live Archaeology in Kernavė
The Director of the reserve added:
"The educational workshop delivered by Atira Ruthenia was a great addition to the 26th International Festival of Experimental Archaeology in Kernavė. It was exceptionally well-received by our visitors, bringing high-quality expertise and a highly engaging educational experience to this year's festival programme." — Dr Ramojus Kraujelis, Director, Administration of Kernavė State Cultural Reserve
Life in the camp
The journey took several days and crossed several countries, and it was worth it. Over the festival we worked with traditional crafts, took part in combat manoeuvres, and tried the camp's other period pastimes, from dances around the bonfire to a 14th-century-style bathhouse.
Thanks
We are grateful to our friends from the Chorna Halych club, who organised the trip and with whom we have worked for around ten years, and to the team of the State Cultural Reserve of Kernavė, in particular Austėja Luchtanaitė and Dr Ramojus Kraujelis, for the invitation and the warm welcome. We hope this is the first of many collaborations.
More about the festival: Days of Live Archaeology in Kernavė
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