Lithuania and Poland mark 616th anniversary of the Battle of Grunwald

Lithuania and Poland will mark the 616th anniversary of the Battle of Grunwald (Žalgiris) on Saturday, according to a report by LRT.

The main reenactment of the historic battle will take place at the Grunwald battlefield near the Polish city of Olsztyn, drawing tens of thousands of spectators and several thousand participants. Lithuania’s delegation will traditionally present the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, take part in the battle reenactment, and introduce visitors to the daily life, weaponry, and crafts of 15th-century soldiers.

This year, Lithuania will be represented by history enthusiasts, medieval reenactors, and soldiers from the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ Honour Guard Company.

The anniversary will also be observed in Lithuania’s Kaunas district at the Žalgiris Victory Park in Cinkiškiai. Events will include the lighting of a ceremonial fire, a biker show, a medieval envoy programme, a concert, and the opportunity to taste soldier’s porridge.

The Battle of Grunwald, which took place on July 15, 1410, near Grunwald, was one of the largest battles of its time. The combined forces of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland, led by Vytautas and Jogaila, defeated the Teutonic Order.