The Battle of Grunwald, fought on July 15, 1410, saw Polish and Lithuanian forces defeat the Teutonic Knights, significantly weakening the Order and reshaping Central and Eastern Europe’s political landscape.
The 26th edition of this reenactment is Poland's largest medieval historical spectacle. This year the event drew approximately 40,000 medieval enthusiasts from around the world, local police reported.
The reenactment, held on the fields of Grunwald, marked the 614th anniversary of the historic battle, with participants portraying Polish-Lithuanian troops, supported by Tatar, Ruthenian, and Czech units, defeating the Teutonic Order’s army.
Spectators watched the clash from the nearby hill, enjoying scenes inspired by Jan Długosz's chronicles, including the dramatic presentation of two naked swords and the death of Grand Master Ulrich von Jungingen.
Each year, the organizers introduce new elements to enhance the experience, such as bombards, archers' attacks, and cavalry charges. Coordinating the large number of participants is challenging, with walkie-talkies used to synchronize movements with the musical score and narration.
"The only incident was a lost child, quickly found and reunited with their guardian," local police said.
The reenactment was the highlight of the Grunwald Days festival, which included a medieval knights’ camp, a championship in knightly combat, archery displays, bard tournaments, Gregorian chant workshops, concerts of medieval music, and medieval era rite masses with period liturgical music.
