Bad Sachsa Schützenfest

Bad Sachsa Schützenfest

Over the weekend my home town of Bad Sachsa held its annual Schützenfest (Marksmen Festival).  This was a three day festival with a parade through the town on Sunday.  The Bad Sachsa Riflemen club dates back to 1814 and this annual event is to find the 'Schützenkönig' ("Marksmen King"). 

The history of the Schützenfest in Germany can be traced back to King Henry I, who sanctioned for the first time in the “Defensive Constitution of the Towns” law the use of local paramilitary associations to defend themselves from gangs of marauders.

In Germany the largest Schützenfest is held in Hanover with more than 5,000 marksmen competing. The “Parade of the Marksmen”, consists of 10,000 participants, 60 floats, marching bands and can stretch 12 km long.   

 

 

The festival in Bad Sachsa is a slightly smaller affair, but rich in history.  The festival starts on Friday evening with the laying of a wreath at the memorial in front of St. Nikolai Church, then a torchlight procession through the streets.  On Saturday its children’s day with their own parade and a special afternoon at the fairground with reduce prices; followed in the evening with a disco. 

On Sunday it starts with the Kings Breakfast at 10.00, while the last minute touches are made for the parade. Other rifleman clubs from the neighbouring towns are invited to take part as well as local clubs and associations. The parade starts at 1.00 and leads through the town, stopping at the town hall to be presented with the flags and banners by the mayor. The parade ends at the fairground by the riflemen club -house where basically a party starts until very late. 

Sadly this year the fireworks had to be cancelled last minute due to the current heat wave. There was fear that with the ground so dry; sparks could easily cause a serious fire.