From Boredom to Adventure: Meet Medieval Swordsmen, Thirty Years’ War Soldiers, and WWI Troops at Helfštýn!

The main organizer for this event is the Olomouc Historical Fencing Group known as Adorea. They are working alongside the Comenius Museum in Přerov and the Helfštýn Castle administration to bring you another exciting year of this event. The Festival of Military History will offer insights into the evolution of the military and all its facets from the past. Expect to see live history performances, theater acts, dancers, jugglers, and the captivating atmosphere of a castle transformed into a historical military camp.

This project aims to create a rich and engaging event that focuses on military history, particularly that of the Olomouc Region, and includes a wide variety of activities. The castle will feature the primary program from renowned military history groups and clubs, specifically focusing on historical periods from Roman times through to the First World War. Attendees will witness live demonstrations of historic weapons and armor. The rich choreography will combine various historical eras into one cohesive experience. The supporting program will highlight the best in fencing displays and period music. Throughout the event, you can enjoy performances from jugglers, falconers, imaginative historical shooting ranges, and costumed guides. Additionally, theatrical performances and choreographed fencing displays will enhance your experience.

The Middle Ages, the Thirty Years’ War and the French Revolution

The Festival of Military History will showcase various military units as well as living history groups. You will meet the Marins de la Garde Imperiale, who portray sailors from France during the French Revolution and the First Empire. You’ll even catch a glimpse of 18th-century healthcare practices and the functioning of the navy during that era.

Among this year’s performers will be the group Buhurt, which specializes in theatrical fencing and showcases artillery from various historical time frames, from the Gothic period to the Napoleonic Wars.

The iconic Knights of the Holy Grail from Ostrava are a familiar presence at the Festival of Military History held at Helfštýn. This society, focused on historical fencing and dance, dedicates itself to various forms of fighting—both unarmored and especially in full armor—while celebrating the ideals of chivalry. In their historical reenactments, they take pride in adhering closely to the sources and references from that time. Their costumes and armor are crafted to replicate as faithfully as possible the originals from the second half of the 15th century. Their choreographed fights aim to faithfully translate the skills found in historical fencing manuals into actionable movements. They also collaborate with the E.L.A. dance group to present historical dances that span from the late medieval period through the Renaissance to the elegant ballroom dances of the Steam Age. Through their engaging performances, they strive to enrich public understanding of our cultural heritage while piquing interest in history—not only focusing on martial arts but also on the elegance and beauty of movement and dance.

At Helfštýn, you will also encounter performers from the Jahanara Tribe. This dance group specializes in various forms of oriental dance, often blending elements from other global dance styles, including Gypsy, Balkan, Indian, Polynesian, and various historicized formats. They favor the style of nomadic dancers, who creatively journey from the Far East, through the Middle East and the Balkans, all the way to local meadows and woods. The group’s members share a passion for dance and a deep appreciation for the rhythms of the East, showcasing their creativity through intricate dance costumes.

The Historical Fencing Group Ursus of Stupava focuses on the dramatic reenactment of fencing and European martial arts from early to high Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Get ready for thrilling fencing and stunt performances, exciting fire shows, and enchanting period music!

The historical fencing group Salva Quardia travels from Olomouc and takes the audience back to the time of the Baroque period and the Thirty Years’ War (a significant era that saw the emergence of the Baroque art movement, which replaced the previously dominant Renaissance). In their performances, Salva Quardia enacts a skilled troop of Swedish musketeers, working under the strict German command of Colonel Kachlson, who reports to General Torstenson. The group members are staunch monarchists, loyal to King Gustav II of Sweden, and Queen Christina. Alongside their fencing and use of muskets, the group remains active in cultural expressions, such as wine, songs, and other forms of entertainment. They achieve a high level of accuracy and dedication to historical authenticity in every aspect of their portrayals.

Festival of Military History at Helfštýn Castle

Date & Location

• When: Saturday & Sunday, 24–25 May 2025

• Where: Helfštýn Castle (4 km from Lipník nad Bečvou)

Historical Eras on Display

• Middle Ages

• Thirty Years’ War

• French Revolution & First Empire

• First World War

Main Attractions

• Live Demonstrations:

  • Weapons & armor exhibitions

  • Sword-fighting duels (full-arm armor battles)

  • Historical shooting range

  • Falconry displays

• Theatrical & Stunt Performances

• Period Music & Dance:

  • Jahanara Tribe dance ensemble

• Cultural Experiences:

  • Historical tastings (food & drink)

  • Juggling and street-theater acts

Featured Reenactment Groups

• Adorea (Olomouc Historical Fencing Group): Lead organizer, specializes in medieval fencing techniques.

• Knights of the Holy Grail: Full-arm armor battles with strict historical accuracy.

• Marins de la Garde Impériale: Authentic portrayal of French naval troops from the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods.

• Buhurt Group: Mass-combat medieval melees.

• Ursus (Historical Sword Fighting): Expert dueling showcases.

Organizers & Partners

• Primary Organizer: Adorea (Olomouc historical fencing group)

• Collaborators:

  • Komenský Museum in Přerov

  • Administration of Helfštýn Castle

Festival Goal

To create an educational and entertaining celebration of military history, fostering a deeper public interest through dynamic live programming and authentic reenactments.