Is Schuetzen Festival still alive in Europe?

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30 January 2004, 13:27

elmo

Is Schuetzen Festival still alive in Europe?

Or has anti-gun political correctness killed it off?

I've never been to Europe and you don't hear much about it here in the States. Sounds like fun to me!

Elmo

01 February 2004, 08:42

mho

Elmo, the closest you get is probably in Bavaria and (possibly?) Austria. Many of the old Schuetzen traditions are still observed there, there are yearly parades where the Shuetzen (among others) take part, dressed up in traditional garb. Now, I have to admit, I don't know 100% if target shooting is still a part of these "festivals"?? Some of our German or Austrian participants may be able to help here??

In Switzerland, although there is not such an emphasis on the traditional clothing, shooting is still (thankfully) a very ingrained part of the local culture. Thus, Zurich has an annual event where children in the school-age compete on a 300 m range with Swiss army weapons. This is quite a big thing in Zurich - even makes for half a cantonal holiday! Most Swiss villages have their own 300 m shooting range, where the local club shoot their army rifles, and which is used for the yearly qualification for the army. These things are slowly going away, sadly, but they still hang in there, in spite of mounting political pressure and increased environmental requirements for the ranges.
- mike

01 February 2004, 08:49

carcano91

Quote:

there are yearly parades where the Shuetzen (among others) take part, dressed up in traditional garb. Now, I have to admit, I don't know 100% if target shooting is still a part of these "festivals"?? Some of our German or Austrian participants may be able to help here??

In Germany, and especially in a few regions of Germany (Niedersachsen, Sauerland, Siegerland; Bavaria), the Schï¿½tzenfest is still a big thing. But target shooting is the very *smallest* part of it. It is primarily a social event, big parades, lots of beer... Generally speaking, only one shot is fired (although sometimes additional shots cen be "bought in"), and the closest shot to the geometric centre is supposed to be the winner; target evaluation is electronic nowadays.

Quote:

Most Swiss villages have their own 300 m shooting range

If it hasn't yet been closed down or stifled to 18 shooting days a year (!) by the local neighbours and the anti-noise crowd, like in Basel.

Carcano

01 February 2004, 09:12

mho

Quote:

... lots of beer...
Quote:

Most Swiss villages have their own 300 m shooting range

If it hasn't yet been closed down or stifled to 18 shooting days a year (!) by the local neighbours and the anti-noise crowd, like in Basel.

Carcano

The beer part at least is positive!

So true about the "anti-noise" crowd.

And the number of ranges is indeed dwindling - sadly.
- mike