Wittichenau Pentecost Marksmen's Festival
Over 525 Years of Tradition — Pentecost Festival of Saxony's Oldest Marksmen's Brotherhood
About Wittichenau Marksmen's Festival
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1491 — An Almost Forgotten Tradition
The St. Sebastian Marksmen's Brotherhood Wittichenau was founded in 1491, making it one of the oldest still active marksmen's brotherhoods in Saxony. Over the centuries, it has survived wars, the Reformation, socialist club dissolutions, and re-foundings. Today, the brotherhood is one of the vibrant carriers of Saxon and Sorbian traditional customs.
Wittichenau — Sorbian Identity
Wittichenau (Sorbian: Kulow) is part of the Sorbian settlement area in Upper Lusatia and is one of the places where the Sorbian language and culture are kept alive. The Pentecost Marksmen's Festival reflects this dual identity: German-Sorbian in the songs, in the speeches, and partly in the customs. The Catholic character of the town (Wittichenau is one of the few Catholic enclaves in Protestant Saxony) is also evident in the religious nature of the brotherhood, which honors its patron saint, St. Sebastian.
Pentecost Festival — Highlight of the Year
The Pentecost festival is the most important date in the brotherhood's club year. Members in historical marksmen's attire march through the town, a festive procession connects the individual stations, shooting competitions take place at the Schützenhof (marksmen's court), and evening dance events round off the festival. The town's population of Wittichenau is traditionally strongly involved — clubs, schools, and families contribute to the Pentecost weekend.
More Than Just Shooting
Today, the brotherhood sees itself less as a weapons club and more as a custodian of historical and social tradition. The focus is on togetherness, club life, concentration, and team spirit. The Pentecost festival reflects this spirit: it is a family festival, a civic festival, and a Sorbian-German traditional festival all in one.
Wittichenau Marksmen's Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition follows the traditional three-day format. The exact program will be published by the club's board a few weeks before Pentecost on the club's website. The essential elements have remained the same for decades: opening of the festival on Saturday morning, marksmen's mass in the parish church, festive procession on Sunday, shooting competitions, and dance events.
The festival is a civic celebration for the entire town — clubs, schools, and citizens are involved. Visitors to Wittichenau at Pentecost experience a Sorbian-German traditional festival in one of its most vibrant forms that still exists today.
Programme Wittichenau Marksmen's Festival 2026
Program Structure Pentecost 2026 (based on previous years)
Whit Saturday, May 23rd
- 10:00 AM — Festival opening by the Marksmen's Brotherhood in the market square
- 11:00 AM — Marksmen's mass in the Catholic parish church
- 2:00 PM — Shooting competitions at the Schützenhof
- Evening — Pentecost dance in the festival tent
Whit Sunday, May 24th
- 10:00 AM — Solemn festive procession of the brotherhood in historical marksmen's attire through the town with music bands and club flags
- 1:00 PM — Joint lunch in the festival tent
- 2:30 PM — King's shooting and other competitions
- Evening — Grand festival evening with a dance band
Whit Monday, May 25th
- 10:00 AM — Morning pint with brass music
- 1:00 PM — Conclusion of the shooting competitions
- 3:00 PM — Proclamation of the Marksmen's King and Queen
- 5:00 PM — Festival conclusion
Current program at wittichenauerschuetzen1491.de.
Highlights Wittichenau Marksmen's Festival 2026
Prices Wittichenau Marksmen's Festival 2026
Practical information — Wittichenau Marksmen's Festival
Getting There
Wittichenau in the northern Bautzen district, accessible via the A4 (exit Bautzen) and the B96. By bus from Bautzen or Hoyerswerda.
Admission
Free admission to the festive procession and town district program points. Shooting competitions and dance events may have an admission fee.
Organizer
St. Sebastian Marksmen's Brotherhood Wittichenau 1491 e.V. — see wittichenauerschuetzen1491.de.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a Wittichenau Marksmen's Festival al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place Wittichenau Marksmen's Festival
Innenstadt Wittichenau und Schützenhof
Wittichenau, 02997, 02997 Wittichenau