A festival full of tradition: Holzhausen celebrates the Schützenfest!

A festival full of tradition: Holzhausen celebrates the Schützenfest!

The annual shooting festival took place in Holzhausen near Nieheim on June 15, 2025, which was accompanied by colorful parades and festive music. This traditional festival attracts locals and visitors alike and is organized by the Rifle Brotherhood, which is well known in the region. The celebrations, which can last several days, are a highlight in the village community's annual calendar.

A central part of the festival is the election of the shooting king, which usually takes place during the shooting festival. The honor of becoming the shooting king is a magnificent tradition that is closely linked to civic shooting. According to Wikipedia reports, that the regulations for determining a new shooting king are determined by each club itself. The shooters often compete in competition, with the best shooter receiving the title of King, the second best receiving the title of First Knight, and the third best receiving the title of Second Knight.

The celebrations and traditions

When voting for the title of king, the shooters typically use air rifles or small-caliber rifles. Shooting can take place at normal ten-ring targets or at themed shooting targets with game motifs. More and more clubs are now allowing women to take part in the royal shooting competition, which is a sign of the changing traditions in society.

The new shooting king is often accompanied by a festive procession from his home or a local inn to the festival site. He is accompanied by his court and numerous festival participants. These parades are not only a sign of respect, but also of community. Traditionally, the wife of the shooting king is called the shooting queen.

Celebrating together and social cohesion

The shooting festival in Holzhausen is more than just a celebration of the shooting king; it is a community gathering that promotes community spirit and tradition. In many shooting clubs, a child shooting king or youth shooting king is also determined. This offers the younger generation the opportunity to immerse themselves in tradition and take on responsibility.

In recent years, new trends have emerged at shooting festivals, including the election of gay and lesbian royal couples, as a *shooting brotherhood in Cologne* demonstrated in 2012. These developments are a step into the future for many clubs, even if they still encounter resistance in some regions. In any case, the Schützenkönig remains primarily a representative title, and the celebrations are a wonderful expression of joy of life and regional identity.

For visitors from near and far, Holzhausen remains a place where tradition and modern values ​​flow harmoniously together. The celebrations for the Schützenfest offer unforgettable moments every year and promote solidarity and cooperation between people.

Further information about the tradition of the Schützenkönig can be found in the detailed article on Wikipedia.