This enormous living history event, organised by Historia magazine, was held in Strasbourg from 16 to 18 February 2018, bringing together history and heritage enthusiasts as well as players in historical media. BNP Paribas, a sponsor of the Prix Historia since 2011, was there to present its achievements in the fields of history and heritage. Roman legions, gladiator games, sessions with YouTubers, virtual reality experiences – the highlights of this unique event were just a few of the many ways history came to life.
On the initiative of Historia magazine, the City of Strasbourg and the Grand Est Region, over one weekend, Strasbourg became the meeting point of history lovers, under the slogan “Vivre l’histoire” (Living History). The Palais des Congrès welcomed all kinds of attendees for this first edition of the Festival: families with young children, students, history lovers, and more.
Attending the event to present its newest activities and initiatives in the area of historical valuation, the Archives & History team from BNP Paribas interacted with many visitors. The exhibition catalogues on the Great War and the general culture quiz “Quizz Histoire Eco” – conducted together with Historia – were a great success.
The BNP Paribas stall was also staffed by young historians of the cooperative “La Boîte à Histoire”, which received a young entrepreneur scholarship from the bank.
The time machine was certainly working at full capacity. One after another, attendees were able to immerse themselves in a role play during the Gutenberg era, take part in Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt, witness an ancient sword tournament or train with a Roman legion.
Lovers of period dress also had the opportunity to purchase the costume of their dreams or pose next to a tank from the First World War. At the bend in a path, visitors had the chance to encounter Imperial Guard officers demonstrating their skills. The immersive experience offered by Omni, the virtual reality treadmill simulator, also appealed to the public.
The highlights of the festival included the session dedicated to historical YouTube channels – an increasingly popular editorial medium – and an informal exchange between Stéphane Bern and the enthralled public during the Festival’s Agora Programme.
The Prix Historia, sponsored by BNP Paribas, were presented at the Festival on 17 February. The Group is particularly associated with the historical fiction film award, which was presented this year to Frantz, directed by François Ozon.
Sessions led by experts on various topics, such as Uchronia or historical fiction, history and digital tools, Neanderthals, and book signings with authors of historical novels were offered to the public throughout the festival.
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The first Historia Festival in Strasbourg: BNP Paribas will be there!
