Knight's festival Just Out
Viteški festival Just Out je jedinstveni događaj koji se održavao u krugu manastira Manasija u Despotovcu. Festival je posvećen sećanju na despota Stefana Lazarevića, jednog od najznačajnijih srpskih vladara i izvrsnog diplomate, koji je sagradio Manasiju kao svoju zadužbinu i prestonicu.
Although 2022 is stated as the last year of this festival, we will dedicate a blog post to it because this festival really deserves attention. We also hope that it will continue despite everything that has stopped it and postponed it, as the organizers say "until further notice".
A festival that won audiences all over the world
The Knights Festival Just Out is a real experience for all generations, providing entertainment, education and inspiration. The festival won numerous awards and recognitions, as well as the sympathy of the audience from all over the world. Because of him, a large number of visitors from the country and abroad came to Despotovac, and over the years it was visited by over half a million people, and knightly organizations from as many as 38 countries performed.
At the festival, knights from different countries gather to show medieval battles, knight games, archery, fencing and other skills. Visitors can enjoy a diverse cultural and artistic program, which includes music, dance, theater, workshops, exhibitions and a fair of old crafts. The festival also offered an opportunity to get to know the rich Serbian history and tradition, as well as to try the specialties of Serbian cuisine.
Knights festival - program
The program of the Just Out knight festival is very rich and varied. At the festival, you can see and experience a lot about the Middle Ages and chivalry. And this time, we present to you just some of the activities taking place at the festival:
The medieval village is a place where you can get to know the life and culture of medieval people. There are various workshops in the village, such as blacksmithing, pottery, weaving, knitting, making jewelry, candles, soap and other items. Visitors can learn about old crafts, try making something with their own hands, or buy a souvenir. In the village, you can also see how food was prepared in the Middle Ages, as well as try some specialties.
Knight tournaments are the main attraction of the festival. The tournaments feature knights from different countries who fight in various disciplines, such as tap fights, dueling tournament, HMB dueling tournament, HMB bohurt tournament and battle reenactment.
- Tap-fights are fights with wooden swords that are used for practice and warm-up.
- Duel tournament is one-on-one combat with real metal swords and armor.
- The HMB duel tournament is a one-on-one fight with the rules of Historical Medieval Battle.
- The HMB bohurt tournament is a battle of groups of five knights who clash with full equipment and weapons.
A battle reenactment is a depiction of a historical battle that took place in the Middle Ages.
Archery is a skill that was also practiced in the Middle Ages. An archery tournament is held at the festival where archers compete with bows and arrows. Visitors can try shooting targets under the supervision of an instructor, or watch the professionals do it.
Equestrian activities are another part of the festival program. Horses were very important to medieval people, especially to the knights who rode them into battle. At the festival, you can see how horses are trained to fight, how equestrian acrobatics are performed, how horses are ridden and cared for.
The cultural and artistic program is what makes the festival even more beautiful and interesting. Various music, dance, theater, literature and art from the Middle Ages can be heard and seen at the festival. Early music ensembles, a medieval music ensemble, a city choir, a vocal soloist, Serbian singers, fire and sword dancers and other performers perform at the festival.
The educational program is what makes the festival even more useful and educational. At the festival you can learn a lot about the history, culture, religion, science and philosophy of the Middle Ages. The festival organizes lectures, workshops, quizzes, games and other activities aimed at bringing the Middle Ages closer to the visitors and enabling them to try out various roles and tasks.
What are we left with while we wait for the Knight Festival to repeat itself
While we are waiting for better times, a new location or just news that the organization and maintenance of the Just Out Knights Festival will continue as before, we recommend a couple of events that have a similar theme and are no less interesting. There are several medieval festivals in Serbia that are similar to the Knights Festival and are worth visiting. Here are some of them:
White Eagles Festival
The White Eagles Medieval Festival was held for the first time in Belgrade, on the Lower Town of the Belgrade Fortress, from August 25 to 27, 2023. Knights from Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Croatia and Slovenia took part in the festival, who presented fights, games and skills from the Middle Ages. Visitors could also see an exhibition of weapons and armor, as well as participate in workshops and lectures on medieval culture and history.
Maglič festival
Maglič Fest is a festival held at the Maglič fortress near Kraljevo, which was built in the 13th century during the reign of King Dragutin. The festival is dedicated to the memory of the Serbian medieval state and its founder Stefan Nemanja. Knight tournaments, concerts, performances, exhibitions and workshops are held at the festival. The festival is also an opportunity to get to know the beauty and richness of nature around the fortress.
Nemanja's days
Nemanja's Days is an event held in Kuršumlija, a town founded by Stefan Nemanja in the 12th century. The event aims to promote the cultural and historical heritage and tourist potential of Kuršumlija and its surroundings. Various activities are organized at the event, such as a tour of medieval monuments, concerts, exhibitions, sports competitions, an ethno-bazaar and a gastronomic corner.
If you missed the Just Out Knight Festival
If you missed the Just out Knight Festival, we will try to convey to you a part of the atmosphere in which one becomes a knight. Watch the video of the last festival held below.
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