Almost two centuries ago Christmas Eve was a crucial time for Russia. On this day in 1812 emperor Aleksandr I declared the end of the Patriotic War after Russian troops drove Napoleon's army out of the country.
The Patriotic War of 1812 is one of the most glorious chapters in Russian military history. Napoleon's invasion is known as the Invasion of 12 Languages (alluding to the number of nations in the biggest and best-organised army of XIX century).
After the Battle of Borodino the Russian military command decided to yield the capital to the French. But Moscow was almost completely burned down in a five-day fire, so the worn-out French army couldn't stay there and was forced to move on… to be later defeated by Russian forces.
Those dramatic events have inspired members of the International Military Historical Association to stage a re-enactment of that historic battle.
“Here you can see people impersonating both Russian and French soldiers. They are all members of the same club, who revive events of old times,” says Aleksandr Valkovich, Head of the Association.
“But in the battlefield they become hussars, cannoneers, grenadiers. And, inspired by the brave deeds by their ancestors, they want to show our contemporaries the events of 200 years ago.”Among nearly 2,000 members of the club only a few are professional historians. The majority are amateurs, but now these historical performances have become a major part of their lives.
“Initially I was a driver and I drove my child and my wife to Borodino battle,” says Vladimir Charondin.
“My child participated as a Russian hussar, me and my wife were French horse artillery guards. Even when we’re at home as a family, we still play this game.”All the costumes are hand-made exact replicas of those of XIX century. An officer's outfit alone may cost up to $US 5,000, to say nothing of weapons. But the enthusiasts say the magic is worth it.
