Today, April 20, Lithuanian National Museum will invite you to experience living history in the bastion of the Vilnius defensive wall - the historic European martial arts tournament-festival "Alberio's sword" will be held here. By visiting the largest all-day event of historical European martial arts in Lithuania, you will be transported to the Middle Ages. Here, in a unique branch of the National Museum of Lithuania, in a revived medieval town, weapons will clang, songs will be played, you will be able to taste the delicacies of the feast, watch duels, learn the intricacies of martial arts and learn ancient dances. All visitors to the event are invited to free excursions in the bastion.
An interesting duel and cabbage chopping spectacle awaits
During the tournament, which will take place throughout the day, the most talented Lithuanian fencers will test their skills in duels and fight for the main prize. Modern protections will allow fighters to score points using unarmored fighting techniques that would result in injury or even death in a real duel. Visitors to the bastion of the Vilnius defensive wall will be able to watch fights in as many as four categories - long sword, sword and buckler, sword and a separate women's category. An intriguing battle awaits in the long sword category, where the participating men will be challenged by Daina Juana Gariboldi, a Lithuanian from Argentina.
The program also includes a cabbage chopping demonstration, which is usually the most popular spectacle. Here it will be possible not only to see the sharpness of real swords, but also to hear stories about the types of weapons, blades and their evolution.
All day festival - lots of entertainment
Historical fencing clubs will be waiting for the visitors of the event, who will introduce their activities, explain the rules and features of fights and allow them to view accurate reproductions of historical weapons up close. Festival guests will also be able to make their first sword. Those interested will try the sword and learn the basics of martial arts together with the club "Alber aus VU" Vilnius University volunteers.
There will also be lectures, free tours of the bastion, an opportunity to try your hand at soft weapons, intriguing vintage games, a fair and special snacks. And wandering dancers "Saltare la lavanda" and musicians "Hasanova" will entertain visitors not only throughout the day, but will also organize a special performance in honor of the winners of the tournament. "Hasanova" is a family ensemble armed with authentic musical instruments, combining neo-medieval, fantasy, motifs of Celtic and Lithuanian folk music. The founder of the group is a well-known Lithuanian rock musician, producer, YouTuber Giedrius Balčiūnas Mr. Jumbo.
Hungry guests will be invited to taste medieval dishes prepared by the Duke's suite and listen to stories about various medieval kitchen tricks.
Festival organizers: HEMA club "Alber aus VU/Memel", Historical Fencing Association "HEMA LT", Lithuanian National Museum. Partners and sponsors of the event: Vilnius University, Duke's Suite, Vytis Historical Fencing, SPES Histfenc, Baltic Leather, Rimti zygiai, Ugniavijas, etc.
