Schützenfest Katzwinkel (Schützenverein Elkhausen-Katzwinkel)
Traditional Pentecost Schützenfest of the Schützenverein Elkhausen-Katzwinkel e.V. at Schützenplatz Katzwinkel
About Schützenfest Katzwinkel
Schützenverein Elkhausen-Katzwinkel e.V.
The Schützenverein Elkhausen-Katzwinkel e.V. is the joint shooting society of the two neighboring districts of Elkhausen and Katzwinkel in the Wisserland region. The association of two villages in a single club underscores the close neighborly ties and allows for the preservation of shooting traditions in this rural area. The club maintains its shooting grounds at Zum Schützenplatz in Katzwinkel.
Pentecost as Festival Date
Like many shooting clubs in the Rhineland and Westphalia, the Schützenverein Elkhausen-Katzwinkel celebrates its main festival on Pentecost—in 2026 on Pentecost Sunday, May 24. This date follows a centuries-old tradition where Pentecost was considered a central festival time of the ecclesiastical-civic year, hosting special celebrations.
Bird Shooting and King's Crowning
The centerpiece of the festival is the Vogelschießen (bird shooting)—the exciting competition to determine the new Schützenkönig by shooting at a suspended wooden bird. Whoever shoots off the last piece of the bird becomes the Schützenkönig and represents the society for the following club year. The subsequent crowning of the king, with the handover of the king's chain, is a ceremonial highlight where the new dignitaries receive their insignia.
Parade and Marquee Evening
The parade through the districts of Elkhausen and Katzwinkel leads the marksmen in full uniform, with flags and king's chains, accompanied by a music band, past the residents' houses. This is followed by the marquee evening with catering, live music or DJ set, and lively dancing. The convivial character of the Schützenfest shapes this evening at least as much as the formal traditional elements.
Katzwinkel — Wisserland District
Katzwinkel (Sieg) is located in the Verbandsgemeinde Wissen in the north of the Altenkirchen district, on the railway line between Wissen and Betzdorf. The Wisserland—the region around the town of Wissen—is characterized by a strong club structure and well-preserved traditional customs. The Katzwinkel Schützenfest is part of a series of Pentecost Schützenfeste in the region and is an important date for the local population.
Schützenfest Katzwinkel — edition 2026
Program 2026
The exact program for 2026 will be published by the organizer in the spring. The structure follows the proven cornerstones of previous years:
- Morning — Festival service or festive opening
- Midday — Bird shooting at the Schützenplatz
- Afternoon — Crowning of the king with handover of the king's chain
- Late afternoon — Parade through the districts of Elkhausen and Katzwinkel
- Evening — Marquee evening with catering and music
Programme Schützenfest Katzwinkel 2026
Event Schedule
Morning — Festive Opening
Opening of the Schützenfest at the Schützenplatz by the board of the Schützenverein Elkhausen-Katzwinkel. If applicable, a festival service in the parish church or at the Schützenplatz. Entry of the marksmen with flags.
Midday — Bird Shooting
The central competition point: active marksmen compete against each other at the shooting range to determine the new Schützenkönig through bird shooting. Exciting atmosphere, audience enthusiasm, congratulations to the new dignitary.
Afternoon — Crowning of the King
Ceremonial crowning of the new Schützenkönig and his queen with the handover of the king's chain. Honors for the previous king and queen couples, welcome of the new dignitaries by the board. Marquee reception with a champagne reception.
Late Afternoon — Parade
Parade of the marksmen in full uniform through the districts of Elkhausen and Katzwinkel, accompanied by a music band. Passing by the residents' houses, who celebrate the festival day with flags and festive decorations.
Evening — Marquee Evening
Marquee evening at the Schützenplatz with live music or DJ set, catering with beer, bratwurst, and festival food, lively dancing, and convivial encounters until late at night.
Detailed program for 2026 will be published shortly before Pentecost on the website of the Schützenverein Elkhausen-Katzwinkel.
Highlights Schützenfest Katzwinkel 2026
- Pentecost Sunday Schützenfest at Schützenplatz Katzwinkel
- Bird shooting and king's crowning as main events
- Parade through Elkhausen and Katzwinkel
- Marquee evening with live music or DJ set
- Tradition of the Schützenverein Elkhausen-Katzwinkel e.V.
Prices Schützenfest Katzwinkel 2026
Practical information — Schützenfest Katzwinkel
Date
Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Location
Schützenplatz Katzwinkel, Zum Schützenplatz, 57581 Katzwinkel (Sieg).
Admission
Free to the festival grounds. Marquee evening may have an admission fee.
Getting There
By car via the B 62. By train via the Siegstrecke (RB 90) to Wissen or Betzdorf, then bus or taxi.
Contact
Schützenverein Elkhausen-Katzwinkel e.V., Tel. 02741 8530.
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