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Historical Re-enactment » What is it? » Types of Re-enactment

Types of Re-enactment


Up to 4 existing models or types of historical reenactment can be identified, with different but often complementary goals and purposes.

 

a) Historical reenactment with divulgative purposes

 

In this type of reenactment, historical recreations are thought of and performed for an audience who visits Festivals and events with the aim to gain knowledge of their own history. Such reenactments are possibly the most widespread among Catalan groups. Scenes, dialogues and explanations must preserve high and rigorous academic standards, yet take into account the heterogeneous public -with scarce knowledge on the subject and limited attention time- watching the show.

 

b) Historical reenactment as an educational support

 

Educational possibilities of historical reenactment are their major appeal. Scholars often find history museums burdensome especially because they are asked to read long texts in panels or tiny labels on magnifying glass at the foot of exposed objects in showcases. In historical reenactment performances scholars experience history in first person and become co-protagonists. Moreover, numerous reenactment groups offer assorted workshops which allow scholars to physically touch and experiment with materials, utensils, tools, etc. while they are shown to them.

 

The following Catalan initiatives are good examples of how to use historical reenactment as resources and educational windfalls:

 

 

c) Historical reenactment with experimental purposes

 

Experimental archeology, as it is known nowadays, started off in the 60s and 70s. It pursued to understand technology and techniques in the past, by manufacturing replicas of utensils from given historical periods. These were usually copied from remains found at archeological sites or from printed documents by authors of different periods. By reproducing ploughs or building Greek warship triremes, modern archeologists could better understand the way fields were ploughed or how navigation worked in ancient times.

 

Experimental archeology allows for revision, checking and even refusing hypotheses and theories which had prevailed unquestionable to date.

 

Engineer and topographer Isaac Moreno Gallo is well known for his commitment to experimental archeology.

 


d) Historical reenactment as a touristic and holiday resource

 

Historical reenactment is a phenomenon in expansion. Not only new recreation groups keep flourishing, but also numerous initiatives surrounding the world of recreation are constantly emerging. One of them is historical reenactment as a touristic or holiday attraction. Reenactment as a touristic resource is, therefore, the fourth existing model.

 

Certainly, all festivals and shows of historical reenactment attract weekend or one-day visitors whose aim is to attend historical staging. Several touristic initiatives with reenactment as a central axis are detailed below.

 

The II International Congress on Archeological Tourism held in Barcelona in 2006 revolved around the importance and possibilities of the so called "archeological tourism". Innovative experiences to be applied by museums in terms of developing and encouraging rural tourism and creating archeological routes were put forward.

 

Also worth mentioning is Xarxa de Turisme Arqueològic (net of Archeological Tourism), a Catalan venture gathering professionals in archeology and the touristic sector under the coordination of Private Foundation Bosch i Gimpera. They work to foster and promote tourism tied to archeology and history in all its areas (archeological sites, museums, historical events, etc.).

 

However, archaeotourism initiatives in Catalonia are still a long way away if compared to some of their foreign counterparts: