Schützenfest

Around this time of year, in many cities in Germany, the "Schützenfesten" will be held again. Although it is not unique for Germany, it is in my eyes still a typically German tradition. "Schützenfesten" are festivals during which the best shooter of the city is selelcted in a competition. The festival finds its origin in the middle ages, during which each city had its so called "Schützen", a group of men who were responsible for protecting the city against enemies (usually neighbouring cities). Already at that time, festivities were organised around the periodical training activities of the Schützen. (Find the Wikipedia description in German here).

Nowadays, the Schützen, organised in "Schützenvereine" are still very active, albeit not with the purpose of protecting a city anymore. During the Schützenfesten, the Schützen will appear in traditional uniforms, and will determine who will become the "Schützenkönig" (king) during the coming year, with various shooting competitions. The ruling Schützenkönig is traditionally brought to the festival location with a big procession (the "Zapfenstreich"). After the new king has been determined, a ball is held, during which also the ladies will appear in traditional costumes.

The festival is celebrated in many different ways. The worldwide biggest Schützenfesten are in Hannover, where the festivities take up 10 days. In our region, many Schützenfesten are held in the coming weekend (Whitsuntide). It is quite a funny site, to see so many men and women walking around in these old, traditional costumes. It is one of those German traditions that on the one hand makes me laugh a bit, but which I also admire on the other hand, because keeping traditions alive is a must to preserve the characteristics of a culture.