'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:

The festival is dedicated to Russian history in the first half of the 19th century.
Sergei Vedyashkin / Moskva news Agency

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

The event was thorough down to the last detail.
Sergei Vedyashkin / Moskva news Agency

An interactive part of the day featured workshops and traditional weapons.
Sergei Vedyashkin / Moskva News Agency

In the evening, a grand ball took place.
Sergei Vedyashkin / Moskva News Agency

Which of the novel's 559 characters do you think this is?
Sergei Vedyashkin / Moskva News Agency