Schützenfest Ense-Bremen – 500 Years Anniversary

500 Years of the St. Lambertus Marksmen's Brotherhood

Founded in 1525 – this makes the St. Lambertus Marksmen's Brotherhood Ense-Bremen one of the oldest marksmen's brotherhoods in the Sauerland. Half a millennium of tradition, faith, and community shape the identity of Ense-Bremen, a district of the municipality of Ense in the Soest district. The 2026 anniversary is a historic occasion that receives attention far beyond the local district.

The Main Festival in June 2026

The anniversary Schützenfest runs from Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14, 2026. The King's Shoot, festive procession, coronation ball, and festive evenings form the framework. Friendly brotherhoods from the entire Soest district and neighboring marksmen's districts will be invited to the anniversary festive procession.

Anniversary Kick-off in May

As early as May 9-10, 2026, the brotherhood will usher in the anniversary year with a ceremonial act. A historical reception, presentation of a commemorative publication, an anniversary church service, and a festive evening will mark the start.

Marksmen's Tradition in the Sauerland

Schützenfeste hold a particularly high value in the Sauerland. They are religiously influenced (St. Lambertus is the patron saint), socially significant, and tradition-centered. The brotherhood has continuously maintained this tradition for 500 years – through wars, the Reformation, and secularization.

Youth and Children's Schützenfest

The anniversary year is designed to be intergenerational: The youth shooting day takes place in May, and the children's Schützenfest in June. Girls and boys shoot at their own targets, electing a children's king and queen. Thus, the tradition is passed on to the next generation.

Throughout the Year

In addition to the main festival, the entire year 2026 is filled with anniversary activities: senior gatherings, pilgrimages, memorial services for deceased members. The club life is bundled around Josef Busche's motto: “We can earn money again, but not beautiful moments.”

Ense-Bremen in the Soest District

Ense is a municipality in the Soest district, located in the southwestern Sauerland. The district of Bremen (not to be confused with the Hanseatic city!) is a traditional place with about 2,000 inhabitants. The Schützenhalle is at the center of club life. The 500th anniversary gives Bremen the attention it deserves – a historic moment for the region.