Programme 2026
The program for the Historica Festival is organised by Le but de l’Association pour l’Histoire Vivante (ApHV) and Avenyra. Their aim is to give all those involved in living history – whether historical re-creators, entertainers, artists or craftspeople from all eras, no matter if amateurs or professionals – the opportunity to showcase their work, exchange ideas and raise their profile.
The 2026 program is still at the planning stage, time specifications will follow soon.
Stage
Once again the stage will host exciting performances and entertainment from minstrels, jugglers and other artists.
Auditorium
The auditorium provides a venue for informative lectures and panel discussions on the subject of re-enactment in all its many facets. The programme of talks has been organised in collaboration with the Kassel Historical Society.
Saturday Lectures
11 a.m. Das Schwert. Realität hinter dem Mythos by Janis Siedentopf
12 a.m. Vom Befund zur Rekonstruktion – Forschung und experimentelle Archäologie by Julian Decker
2 p.m. Mythen & Legenden zu Speisen im Mittelalter by Peter Lutz
3 p.m. Die Ritterspiele – Event und Spektakel in Cassel 1598 by Jürgen Fischer
5 p.m. Historische Festkultur in Europa – Kartographie und Festkultur in Europa by Johannes F. Faget
6 p.m. Mythen und Legenden von Fernkampfwaffen by Sebastian Roth (Keilerey e.V.)
Sunday Lectures
12 a.m. Beginen – eine ausgestorbene Spezies? by Brigitte Meister
1 p.m. Historische Märkte ohne Waffen? Ein Blick in das Waffengesetz – was ist verboten, was ist erlaubt? by André Busche
3 p.m. Für Kinder: Ritter entdecken: Was steckt unter der Rüstung? by Sebastian Roth (Keilerey e.V.)
Combat Arena
In our outdoor arena, you can look forward to regular combat demonstrations by Schwertfechten Nordhessen, Klopffechters Erben, Rudvuhs and Keilerey.
Workshops
Re–enactment means not just observing history, but also experiencing it. To this end, the Historica Festival offers a wide range of workshops.
Making simple Glassbeads with Christin Barthelmie
Saturday: 4 p.m. (db 6.30 p.m.)
Sunday: 11 a.m. (db 1.30 p.m.)
Duration: 90 min workshop + 60 min break + 30 min debriefing (db)
Place: Workshop Space
Spots: 4 participants per session
Participation fee: 24,00 €
In this short workshop, you can get a taste of the craft of glassbead-making. You’ll learn how to make simple glass beads yourself at fully equipped workstations. After a brief introduction to using the torch, you can get started straight away under supervision. Once the beads have cooled, you can of course take them home with you after a short debrief. Apart from a bit of manual dexterity and a steady hand, you’ll need to wear clothing made from natural fibres (no polyester) or an apron for safety reasons. Long, loose hair must be tied back.
Please register directly by emailing christin(at)dasglasperlenuniversum.de
(A ticket for the Historica Festival is required to take part in the workshop.)
SchmiedeWERKshop - forging workshop
Saturday and Sunday whole day
Duration: around 30 minutes
Place: At the SchmiedeWERK Kassel stand
Spots: 1 participant per session
Participation fee: free
At the SchmiedeWERKshop, anyone interested can try their hand at forging a small metal piece under expert guidance. Depending on your interests and experience, you might create personalised key rings, hooks or similar items. The workshop offers a straightforward introduction to the traditional craft of blacksmithing, providing hands-on experience in working with hot iron. You are, of course, welcome to take your own creation home with you afterwards.
The duration depends on the individual participant and the chosen piece and usually takes around 30 minutes. Interested adults can sign up for the workshop directly at my stand on site. Taking part is therefore straightforward and requires no prior registration.
Forging for Kids
Saturday and Sunday whole day
Duration: around 30 minutes
Place: At the “Alte Künste” stand
Spots: 4 participant per session
Participation fee: free
“The iron is red-hot!” – In our forge, children aged 8 and over become real blacksmiths! After a safety briefing and putting on their protective clothing, they’ll pick up the hammer themselves and, as assistant blacksmiths, forge their very own knife blow by blow. Together with us, they’ll shape the blade and the end of the handle with their own hands. Each session lasts 30 minutes, with a maximum of 4 children per group; every child gets to take home the knife they’ve forged themselves – just pop in with your parents; we look forward to seeing you.
Historical Dances with the Silberne Setzlinge
Saturday
Further information wil soon be added.
Sword Stage-Combat with Rudvuhs
Saturday and Sunday
(Specific times will be announced soon)
Duration: around 45 minutes
Place: Workshop Arena
Spots: 8 participant per session
Participation fee: 5,00 €
Working in pairs, participants will learn the basic techniques of sword fighting. Each pair will be supervised by their own trainer, enabling intensive one-to-one guidance. An experienced trainer will lead and facilitate the workshop. No prior experience is required.
Please register directly with Rudfuhs via rudvuhs(at)outlook.de or on the day at the stand
(A ticket for the Historica Festival is required to take part in the workshop.)
Safe Fencing with Klopffechters Erben
Saturday and Sunday
(Specific times will be announced soon)
Duration: around 60 minutes
Place: Workshop Arena
Spots: 6-8 participant per session
Participation fee: 20,00 €
Further informations will be announced soon.
Duszack-fencing after Joachim Meyer
Saturday and Sunday
(Specific times will be announced soon)
Duration: around 60 minutes
Place: Workshop Arena
Spots: 6-8 participant per session
Participation fee: 20,00 €
Immerse yourselves in the art of fencing with the Duszack from the late 16th century. We will work through a fencing routine from Joachim Meyer’s “Gründtlicher Beschreibung” (Thorough Description) of 1600, taken from the chapter ‘On the Guard and the Moves Assigned to It’.
You will be guided by the experienced fencer Dirk von der Wroge – a member of the Klopffechters Erben fencing school, as well as a journeyman and lead fencer of the Sankt Michael Fencing Guild. With over 15 years’ experience in historical fencing and his specialisation in Joachim Meyer’s fencing style, he offers you the opportunity to experience the journey from historical text to actual movement.
Please register directly at info[at]klopffechters-erben.de or at the stand
(A ticket for the Historica Festival is required to take part in the workshop.)
Further programme
In addition, there will be plenty more activities to admire and take part in, including…
- Monika Fabularis – the storyteller
- Historical games for children
- Foam–weapon combat for children
- Straw pyramid
- Camp life and cooking demonstration at the Keilerey
- Photographer: The Kelric View
- Saturday, 11.00 am: Roundtable for representatives of events and venues
