Festival “Dinaburga 1812” to Revive History at Daugavpils Fortress
On July 11, the 9th International Historical Reenactment Festival “Dinaburga 1812” will take place at Daugavpils Fortress, featuring over 120 reenactors from five countries depicting early 19th-century battles and daily life. The event includes a wide program with military camps, tours, dances, and concerts.
Daugavpils Fortress Steps Back to 1812
On July 11, the Daugavpils Fortress will host the 9th International Historical Reenactment Festival “Dinaburga 1812”. For one day, visitors can experience the atmosphere of early 19th-century events, reliving the 1812 battles when the unfinished fortress successfully repelled Napoleon's army attacks.
Reenactors from Five Countries
More than 120 reenactors from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, and the Czech Republic will participate. They will wear authentic uniforms and perform military scenes, offering a chance to watch historical battle reenactments. A total of 15 reenactment clubs will be involved.
Event Program
The activity starts at 10:00 with a flea market, artisan market, and outdoor cafes. At 11:30, the ceremonial opening of the Nikolai Gate and a historical parade will take place. At noon, a cannon shot will mark the awakening of the fortress, and the Children's Town will open with inflatable attractions, wooden games, a mini zoo, and creative workshops.
Visitors can join free guided tours at 12:00, 14:00, and 17:30, starting from the Visitor Center. A military camp will operate in the 8th bastion courtyard from 12:00, followed by a recruit school at 13:00 to learn about soldiers' daily life. At 14:00, the National Armed Forces Staff Orchestra will perform at the Rotko Museum courtyard, and at 15:00, there will be a guard change ceremony, official festival opening, and a performance by the percussion group “Ekho”.
Climax: Battle Reenactment
At 16:00, the historical reconstruction of the fortress defense will begin, involving all reenactment clubs. After the battle, participants will be greeted, and the audience will be entertained by a mime street theater, stilt walkers, and bubble attractions. In the evening, at 17:30, Empire-style dance masterclasses will take place, followed at 18:00 by a Peasants' Ball with performances from the Cultural Studio “Speiga” from Augšdaugava region, historical dance clubs, and classical music. At 21:00, a Grand Ball in Empire style will start at the Rotko Museum courtyard, where visitors are encouraged to wear period costumes. The festival will end with an electronic music disco from 23:00 to 2:00.
Tram Anniversary
Also on the same day, to mark 80 years since the first tram ran in Daugavpils, SIA “Daugavpils satiksme” invites visitors at 11:00 to an event “On the Road with Daugavpils Satiksme” at the courtyard of the Technology and Industrial Design Center “Inženieru arsenāls”. The event will include a concert, entertainment, and activities.
