Schützenfest Biesenthal

Marksmen's Guild since 1588

The Biesenthal Marksmen's Guild was founded in 1588, making it one of the oldest civil marksmen's societies in Brandenburg. For centuries, its home has been the small town of Biesenthal in the present-day Barnim district, northeast of Berlin. In its tradition, the marksmen's system (Schützenwesen) stands for civil self-organization, town defense in the historical sense, and the social integration of the citizenry – values that are still reflected today in the annual Schützenfest.

Biesenthal Marketplace as Festival Grounds

The venue for the Schützenfest is the marketplace in Biesenthal's historic town center. Here, the guild sets up its festival tent, here marksmen in traditional clothing march through the town with flags and music, and here the new marksmen's king is proclaimed. The marketplace, framed by St. Mary's Church and the Town Hall, forms a historically fitting backdrop for a festival that brings together the town's past and present.

King's Shoot and Festive Parade

At the center of a classic Schützenfest is the King's Shoot (Königsschießen), where the Queen or King of the Year is determined from among the guild members. The program is complemented by a festive parade, brass band music, dancing, and culinary catering – typical elements of a German Schützenfest, here in the special variant of Brandenburg's Barnim region.

Marksmen's Tradition in Brandenburg

Unlike in the Rhineland or Lower Saxony, the marksmen's tradition (Schützenwesen) is less widespread in Brandenburg – all the more significant is the preservation of such an old guild as the one in Biesenthal. The Schützenfest is therefore not only a local folk festival but also a contribution to the cultural-historical identity of the region between Barnim and the Märkische Schweiz.