150th Anniversary Founding Festival of FFW Willhof

An Anniversary That Comes Only Every 25 Years

Founded in 1875, the Willhof Volunteer Fire Brigade is one of the oldest brigades in the Schwandorf district in the Upper Palatinate. Its founding festival is traditionally only celebrated on round anniversaries – in 2026, it marked its 150th anniversary, an event that captivated not only the Willhof district of Altendorf but also all neighboring brigades in the inspection area North – Land 4/3.

Flag Consecration as the Spiritual Center

The highlight of the three-day festival was the consecration of the newly restored club flag by Father Savari during the celebratory church service. The flag, a symbol of tradition and unity, is carried along at every operation, every funeral procession, and every anniversary festival – its restoration was a project financed by the entire village community.

Procession of the Schwandorf Fire Brigades

On Sunday, all 13 fire brigades from the inspection area North – Land 4/3 assembled at the entrance to the village for the grand church procession. The procession through Willhof, led by a 125-year-old fire engine from the club's collection, is one of the most emotional moments of Upper Palatinate fire brigade anniversaries.

Festival Marquee, Show Band, and Rahner Brewery

In the festival marquee, patron Mayor Markus Schiesl kicked things off with the tapping of the festival beer from the Rahner brewery. The show band SaKrisch had the entire marquee singing along on Saturday evening. The anniversary also had its solemn moment with a memorial service for 18 fire brigade comrades who had passed away since the last founding festival, held at the war memorial by St. Jakob Church.