'War and Peace' Festival Brings the Past to Life in Present-Day Russia
Nothing says “Russia” quite like a festival dedicated to Leo Tolstoy’s epic novel “War and Peace.”
Held at the Ostafyevo Estate south of Moscow — where Alexander Pushkin, Nikolai Gogol and Vasily Zhukovsky have all visited — the festival paid tribute to Russian literature and history over the weekend. Costumes not required, but encouraged.
Here's a look at when went on:
Held at the Ostafyevo Estate south of Moscow — where Alexander Pushkin, Nikolai Gogol and Vasily Zhukovsky have all visited — the festival paid tribute to Russian literature and history over the weekend. Costumes not required, but encouraged.
Here's a look at when went on:
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/ee/b87c2c72d97a75a4f5de9993f.jpg)
The festival is dedicated to Russian history in the first half of the 19th century.
Sergei Vedyashkin / Moskva news Agency
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/a2/37992ce4c801aaba47fa90f871078a.jpg)
Detailing the French invasion of Russia and the impact of the Napoleonic era, much of the original novel contains military themes.
Sergei Vedyashkin / Moskva News Agency
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/9f/c824d4a20233dd2b10c3bac2b5.jpg)
The event was thorough down to the last detail.
Sergei Vedyashkin / Moskva news Agency
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/aa/27c9c29aa656eceb0f8484a633c8.jpg)
An interactive part of the day featured workshops and traditional weapons.
Sergei Vedyashkin / Moskva News Agency
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/a3/793efcba4b4a17cf6b8edd5788bc6.jpg)
In the evening, a grand ball took place.
Sergei Vedyashkin / Moskva News Agency
![](https://static.themoscowtimes.com/image/1360/ef/819229a9d944d38f696bf6e51.jpg)
Which of the novel's 559 characters do you think this is?
Sergei Vedyashkin / Moskva News Agency