The first International Festival of medieval arts and crafts “SHIELD”

Tourism organization of Gracanica (TOG) organizes the first International Festival of medieval arts and crafts - SHIELD. The Festival will be held in Gracanica, at football stadium within sport complex Dragan Dzajic, from 16th until 18th of September 2016, this project is funded by USAID (Advancing Kosovo Together – Local Solutions program) and Municipality of Gracanica. 

Gracanica monastery, due to its unique architecture and frescoes, represents the jewel of Serbian medieval architecture, and from 2016 is listed on UNESCO world cultural heritage. Stefan Uros II - King Milutin built the monastery of Gracanica in 1321 and dedicated it to Dormition of Holly Virgin Mary. In the past few years, the arrangements of medieval knights tournaments, such as SHIELD Festival is becoming more popular worldwide and record a great number of visitors. The need of Gracanica for touristic brand brought the idea that TOG organizes the first International Festival of medieval arts and crafts - SHIELD, and in such manner additionally popularizes medieval history and tradition of Gracanica. The Association for preservation of traditional crafts and skills “White Eagles” from Belgrade participated in the creation of idea and organization of SHIELD Festival.     

SHIELD Festival has an International character and the following teams confirmed their presence: Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary and Serbia. Within this Festival, registered teams will take part in archery tournaments and knight battles in various categories (male and female category, single and group battles). The visitors will have the opportunity to register and take part in categories: rock-throwing, spear throwing. Beside the competitive part of the Festival the schedule contains other events, such as: participant parade ceremony through Gracanica, interactive workshops, photography exhibition, concerts of medieval music and schedule for children. The visitors will have the opportunity to walk through the medieval knight camp within the exhibition area, to wear parts of knight’s equipment, as well as to buy local souvenirs, taste traditional food, domestic brandy and wine. 

All potential visitors and exhibitors may obtain more information through our email: togracanica@gmail.com or at our official Facebook page of SHIELD Festival: www.facebook.com/shieldfestival/.