Wittichenau Pentecost Marksmen's Festival

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.