Historical Reconstruction Practices in the Urban Environment

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34680/urbis-2024-4(1)-51-63

Arseniy Torchilenko
Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University, Veliky Novgorod, Russia
[email protected]

ORCID: 0009-0006-7725-9039

ABSTRACT

This article studies the potential of historical reenactment festivals as an increasingly popular hobby and way of life that revives the history and identity of medieval cities through crafts, costumes, and customs. Participation in these festivals educates people about the historical significance of their city and promotes community participation. Even though Veliky Novgorod can provide favorable conditions for large-scale events, there are no targeted projects for the development of historical reconstruction there yet. The resurgence of historical festivals after the decline caused by COVID-19 highlights the need for suitable venues to integrate re-enactments into Novgorod's event calendar. These events provide educational benefits through practical, live historical presentations and aim to balance historical accuracy and entertainment value. Historical reconstruction festivals can bring different benefits to the cities being cultural holidays and tools for urban regeneration, improving the global image of the city. Successful integration of historical reenactment festivals into the city's event agenda requires balancing the needs of redevelopers, the host city, and the local population.

KEYWORDS: urban practices, historical re-enactment, heritage tourism, living history, educational effectiveness, Veliky Novgorod.

References

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Information about the author
Arseniy A. Torchilenko
Master’s Student
Research and Educational Centre
for Humanitarian Urbanistics
Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University
41, Bolshaya Sankt-Peterburgskaya St.,
Veliky Novgorod, 173003, Russian Federation
ORCID: 0009-0006-7725-9039
e-mail: [email protected]

For citation:
Torchilenko, A. A. (2024). Historical reconstruction practices in the urban environment. Urbis et Orbis. Microhistory and Semiotics of the City, 4(1), 51–63. https://doi.org/10.34680/urbis-2024-4(1)-51-63