The Trsat Castle will undergo a complete transformation on September 14th and 15th, turning into a live medieval scene that will provide visitors with an unforgettable experience through meticulously designed knight camps from Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, and Hungary. Malik Fest – the festival of legends and myths of Istria and Kvarner, organized by the Association for Revived History Ordo Sancti Viti, will offer a rich program filled with numerous novelties and attractions that will satisfy all generations. This event is not only an opportunity for entertainment but also for education about the rich history and traditions of the region, providing an authentic insight into the lives of knights and ladies of the Middle Ages.

Diverse Activities and Educational Program

Festival participants will have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities carefully designed to bring the spirit of the Middle Ages to life. The program includes detailed fencing workshops where expert instructors will teach the basics and techniques of handling weapons from that era. Archery will be presented through interactive competitions, allowing visitors to test their precision shooting skills. Calligraphy, as the art of handwriting, will be showcased through practical workshops where participants can create their own handwritten documents. Special attention will also be given to knights and ladies, with special costumes and props to help visitors fully immerse themselves in the medieval ambiance.

Saturday Program: A Journey Back in Time

Saturday, September 14th, will start at 3 PM and run until 9 PM, offering a rich cultural, entertainment, and educational content. Visitors will be able to explore knight camps, where they can stroll among replicas of medieval houses and castles. Taverns will offer traditional food and drinks, allowing guests to taste the specialties of that era. Horseback riding will be one of the main attractions, where visitors can ride horses and participate in horseback riding skill demonstrations. Medieval games, such as bowling with wooden balls and marbles, will be available for all ages, while workshops on bow and arrow making will provide hands-on experience in traditional crafts. Special attention will be given to creating medieval hairstyles, where stylists will craft authentic looks for interested visitors. Educational sessions on fighting techniques and ancient crafts will provide a deeper understanding of life in the Middle Ages, while interactive presentations will allow visitors to try their hand as knights or ladies.

Children will have the opportunity to participate in a spectacular castle battle, where they will showcase their bravery in a simulated fight against an evil knight army through play. This segment of the program is especially designed to stimulate imagination and physical activity in the youngest participants. The day will conclude with a display of mythical creatures, including fairies demonstrating their fire tricks, adding an element of magic and fantasy to this historical event.

Sunday Program: Special Dedication to Children

Sunday, September 15th, begins at 10 AM with a program specially tailored for children, providing them with a safe and educational environment for play and learning. Activities will include making Frankopan shields and swords, where children can design and paint their own shields using traditional techniques. The preparation of magical potions will be presented through interactive workshops, where children can participate in creating 'magic' drinks using natural ingredients. Medieval games such as spear throwing at targets, archery, and stone throwing from the shoulder will provide children with opportunities for physical activity and the development of motor skills.

The program will include a series of knightly performances showcasing various aspects of a knight's life, from training and tournaments to everyday tasks in the castle. The finale will feature knightly battles, where participants will demonstrate their fighting skills in a safe environment, providing spectators with an exciting and dynamic conclusion to the festival. A special attraction will be the Nordic walkers who will begin their journey with Trsat legends at 9:30 AM, bringing elements of Nordic mythology and culture to the festival. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to taste Frankopan delicacies, offering an authentic gastronomic experience closely linked to the history of this region.

Organization and Partnerships

The organizer of this year's Malik Fest is the Association for Revived History Ordo Sancti Viti, which has become recognized over the years for organizing events that successfully combine education and entertainment. With the support of key sponsors and partners, including the Rijeka Tourist Board, the City of Rijeka, the Kvarner Tourist Board, and the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, the festival positions itself as one of the most significant cultural events in the region. A diverse team of participants from Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, and Hungary contributes to the richness of the program, ensuring the authenticity and quality of all activities.

Among the festival participants are renowned associations and cultural groups such as Corvi Belli – Sveti Ivan Zelina, Knezovi Frankopani Trsat – Rijeka, Udruga Mutila – Medulin, Udruga Merlin – Pula, Kulturni front – Opatija, Red kraljevega Orla – Slovenia, Desdichado Medieval Fight Club – Hungary, Kulturno društvo igralska skupina viteza Gašperja Lambergarja – Slovenia, Companie d'Noir – Hungary, Srednjovjekovna udruga Barbanska kula – Barban, Udruga Anno Domini – Koprivnica, Viteški red sv. Nikole - Varaždin, Streličarski klub Maura kal – Krk, and Udruga Grobnički rez. Each of these groups contributes their unique tradition and expertise, enriching the festival with a diversity and authenticity of content.

This festival represents a unique opportunity for all history, culture, and entertainment enthusiasts to connect with the rich heritage of Istria and Kvarner. Trsat Castle, with its historical background, provides the perfect venue for hosting such an event, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the medieval ambiance. The organizers have taken care of every detail to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all participants, and free admission further encourages a wide audience to take advantage of this opportunity.

Malik Fest – the festival of legends and myths of Istria and Kvarner is not just an event but an experience that connects the past and the present, providing the opportunity to better understand and appreciate the rich history of this region through play and education. Join us at Trsat Castle and step into a world of knights, ladies, legends, and myths, creating unforgettable memories that will last for years!

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