Schützenfest Hilden

Over 540 Years of Marksmen Tradition in Hilden

With its founding year of 1484, the St. Sebastianus Schützenbruderschaft Hilden is one of the oldest marksmen's associations in North Rhine-Westphalia. Its tradition comes alive every year in mid-June when the fraternity invites you to the Schützenfest in Hilden's city center. For four days, the medium-sized town in the Mettmann district is dedicated to uniforms, royal regalia, parades, and funfair activities.

Four Days of Festival Program

The Schützenfest follows the classic schedule of Rhenish-Bergian marksmen's festivals: companies assemble on Friday evening, parade through the city center on Saturday, bird shooting on Sunday morning, festival ball in the marquee, and the proclamation ceremony with the announcement of the new majesties. This is accompanied by a funfair with rides and stalls right in the city center.

More Than Folklore: Living Customs

• Parade: Hundreds of marksmen in historical and modern uniforms march through the city center
• King Shooting: Determination of the new marksmen's majesty – the heart of the festival
• Large Festival Tent: Dancing, live music, and catering throughout the weekend
• Funfair: Rides and stalls around the festival grounds
• Proclamation: Solemn crowning of the new majesties with sashes and the king's chain

Hilden in the Mettmann District: Between Düsseldorf and Bergisches Land

With around 56,000 inhabitants, Hilden is located in the middle of the Mettmann district, nestled between Düsseldorf, Solingen, and Langenfeld. The city is famous for the longest pedestrian zone in North Rhine-Westphalia – and this is where a large part of the Schützenfest takes place. The marksmen's tradition is deeply rooted in the Rhineland and remains an important part of local identity today – along with Carnival, May festivals, and city festivals.