In 1999, the very first “Days of Live Archaeology in Kernavė” experimental archaeology festival was held. It all began with just 27 enthusiasts, inspired by their participation in the Biskupin Museum Festival in Poland. They set out to create the first event of its kind in Lithuania. Everything the visitors saw – from dwellings to costumes – was crafted by these passionate individuals and the staff of the economic division of the then Kernavė Cultural Reserve Museum.
The festival’s pioneers included the late long-time director of the reserve Saulius Vadišis, the late festival coordinator Jonas Vitkūnas, archaeologists Daiva Luchtanienė and Aleksiejus Luchtanas, as well as a devoted community of history and reconstruction enthusiasts, archaeologists, and historians. They remember those first years as full of improvisation, passion, and uncertainty – there was no clear structure or prior experience, only a strong desire to bring Lithuania’s prehistory to life. Despite doubts about whether anyone would even show up, the festival was an immediate success – on the very first day, crowds flooded into Kernavė.
The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania has been a long-standing patron of the festival, and without its support, the event would not have been possible.
From the very beginning, the festival had a unique format – experimental archaeology was not only demonstrated, it was lived. Prehistoric dwellings were built, craft camps bustled with activity, and food was cooked over open fires. Culinary experimentation became an essential part of the experience; what began as attempts to recreate ancient dishes eventually evolved into culinary competitions, where participants present foods from different regions or historical periods based on archaeological sources.
Students from Vilnius University played a major role in organizing the early festivals – they helped build camps, handled logistical tasks, and demonstrated ancient crafts during the event.
Over the years, the festival grew significantly and became truly international. It has hosted artisans and reenactors from Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, and even South Korea and the United States. The community of historical reenactors has grown from 27 to over 300 participants. The festival became a platform for flint, bone, and iron tool making, for recreating ancient jewelry, crafts, music, songs, and ways of life.
Set against the backdrop of Kernavė’s majestic hillforts – a place where all epochs of Lithuanian prehistory and history converge – the festival quickly attracted national attention and inspired other cities to follow suit. Soon, similar events began appearing in Šiauliai, Apuolė, Skuodas, and elsewhere in Lithuania.
The festival has faced challenges – in 2012, it did not take place due to lack of funding, and in 2020, it was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions. Still, the festival not only survived – it emerged stronger. In recent years, it has become increasingly focused on younger generations, offering educational activities, interactive experiences, and opportunities to discover one’s roots through immersive and engaging history.
Today, the “Days of Live Archaeology in Kernavė” festival is not just a cultural event – it is a living open-air museum, a celebration where our history comes to life, and a space where the culture of our ancestors is made real and relevant for the modern person.
The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania remains the festival’s long-time patron.