Hander Schützenfest

Hander Schützenfest — Over 110 Years of Tradition in Bergisch Gladbach

The St. Sebastianus-Schützenbruderschaft Hand 1911 e.V. bears its founding year in its name — the Hander Schützenfest thus dates back over 110 years. From July 19th to 21st, 2026, the annual Schützenfest will take place in the Hand district of Bergisch Gladbach. The fraternity's motto: "For Faith – Custom – Homeland" — three pillars that define the Rhenish shooting fraternity tradition.

Bergisch Gladbach-Hand — A District with its Own Identity

Hand is a district in southern Bergisch Gladbach, in the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis. With Handstraße as its central axis and a manageable size (approx. 5,000 inhabitants), Hand has preserved its village-like, Bergisch character. The St. Sebastianus Schützenbruderschaft at Handstraße 60 is the center of village customs — its Schützenfest, patron saint celebrations, and events shape the district's annual rhythm.

Program 2026 — Three Days of Shooting Tradition

Friday, July 19th, 2026 — Hander Party Night

The opening evening is explicitly designed for the younger generation: "Back to the 80s, 90s". DJ sets with hits from two decades of disco, pop, and rock — proven popular at Schützenfeste in the Bergisches Land. Running parallel to the party program is the traditional Brocante / Flea Market since 1986 — a nice combination of old shooting customs and new festival atmosphere.

Saturday, July 20th, 2026 — King's Shoot and Schlager Night

• Afternoon — King's Shoot: the marksmen determine their new Schützenkönig (shooting king) by shooting at a wooden bird. Exciting highlight: who will shoot the bird down? The winner becomes the new Hander Schützenkönig 2026/27
• Around 9:30 PM — King's Proclamation with coronation and ceremony
• Evening — Hander Live Schlager Night with the artists:
  • Ina Colada — Schlager star from the Rhineland
  • Schlager Gotti — Comedy Schlager act
  • Achim Petry — Son of Wolfgang Petry, Schlager singer

Sunday, July 21st, 2026 — Ecclesiastical Highlight

• 10:00 AM — Festive Service (Mass) in the Catholic parish church
• Cortège — the procession through Hand. Marksmen in traditional attire, banners, music bands, with the new Schützenkönig at the center
• Followed by a morning pint (Frühschoppen) and family program

The Schützenbruderschaft 1911

The St. Sebastianus-Schützenbruderschaft Hand 1911 was founded in 1911 and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011. It upholds traditional shooting values: Christian faith (Patron St. Sebastianus), cultivated custom (attire, discipline), and love for one's homeland. The fraternity includes adult marksmen and the Jungschützen (youth section). The Patron Saint's Day festival and the Schützenfest are the two main annual events.

What to Expect

Unlike commercial folk festivals, the Hander Schützenfest has a genuine traditional character: marksmen in uniform, banner carriers, music bands, traditional marches. But modern elements (Party Night, Schlager Night) also cater to younger audiences. Admission is usually inexpensive or free — families are welcome.