Schützen- und Volksfest Duisburg-Huckingen

A Brotherhood Older Than the City of Duisburg Knows

The St. Sebastianus Schützenbruderschaft Duisburg-Huckingen has existed since 1687 — that's over 330 years. This makes it one of the oldest marksmen's brotherhoods in Germany. It has survived wars, secularization, the incorporation of Huckingen into Duisburg in 1929, and the structural crisis of the Ruhr area — and today it is one of the most vibrant associations in the district, with an active youth group, shooting sports, and, of course, the annual Schützenfest.

Schützenplatz Im Ährenfeld

The club festival takes place on the Schützenplatz Im Ährenfeld in the Duisburg district of Huckingen (South district). A large marquee is erected on the festival grounds, which becomes the center of activity for three days. Around it are amusement rides for families, food and drink stalls — a classic Rhineland Schützenfest.

Classic Schedule — Friday to Sunday

Friday — Keg Tapping and Live Band

Opening with the traditional keg tapping, followed by a festive evening with a live band. For years, the brotherhood has relied on cover bands from the Rhineland — party music, rock classics, Karneval hits.

Saturday — Parade and Tattoo

Highlight of the morning: Schützenfest High Mass in the parish church of St. Peter and Paul. Afterwards, a parade through Huckingen with friendly shooting bands, drum corps, and brotherhoods from neighboring districts. In the evening, a grand tattoo on the Schützenplatz — a military-traditional ceremony with torches, music, and hymns. Followed by a festival ball.

Sunday — Bird Shooting and Crowning of the King

On Sunday afternoon, the traditional bird shooting: the marksmen of the brotherhood shoot at a wooden bird on the shooting stand until one brother or sister takes the last piece — and is thus proclaimed the new Schützenkönig (King of Marksmen). Crowning of the King in the evening with a large festive gathering in the marquee.

“Glaube, Sitte, Heimat” — What the Motto Means

The brotherhood's motto summarizes the three cornerstones of Catholic marksmen's tradition:

• Glaube (Faith): Rooted in the Catholic Church, High Mass, veneration of Mary.
• Sitte (Custom): Code of honor, discipline, shooting sports with traditional rules.
• Heimat (Homeland): Connection to Huckingen, preservation of local identity.

In practice, this means: not just a drinking event, but a festival with a clear ethical framework — High Mass, a service for deceased members, honors for jubilarians and merits.

Brotherhood with a Track Record of Success

Currently, the Huckingen junior marksmen stand for active club work: in 2026, two members won diocesan titles at the Diocesan Youth Days in Laar — proof of the strong youth work carried out in the brotherhood. The Schützenfest is therefore not only about preserving tradition but also about active club culture.