Anticipating with eagerness: Ahead lie exciting prospects.
In the heart of Düsseldorf, the Schützen-Matinee has once again brought the city's rich tradition to life, emulating the lively atmosphere of a Schützenfest tent. This annual event, deeply rooted in the city's cultural and social fabric, is a formal precursor to the larger Schützenfest, an age-old celebration that has been a staple in many German towns for centuries.
The Schützen-Matinee is a gathering of honour for over 100 distinguished St. Sebastianus Brauchtumspersonen, who are responsible for upholding the customs, rituals, and cultural heritage associated with marksmanship and community festivities. The event serves as a platform for these members and the community to gather and reinforce their bonds before the main festival activities.
Unlike the Schützenfest, the Schützen-Matinee is a more formal and ceremonial event, held in the morning, where speeches, honours, and recognitions are given, and traditions and customs are observed. The event is often held in the Altstadtsaal, but this year, it took place in the Henkelsaal.
Despite the change in location, the Schützen-Matinee has not lost its significance. Dr. Stephan Keller, the Mayor of Düsseldorf, presented the city order of the state capital Düsseldorf during the event, and the 2nd Schützenmeister Wolfgang Vollmer participated in the honours for the years 2020/2021.
The Schützen-Matinee has caused anticipation for a Schützenfest with the Rheinkirmes in July 2022. The event's atmosphere, reminiscent of a Schützenfest tent, has evoked excitement among the community, with Sebastianus-Chef Lothar Inden recalling its similarity to the festive tent of a Schützenfest.
The Schützen-Matinee, while not featuring the march-in of company flags led by Colonel Ernst Toni Kreuels, or the music provided by Tambour-Corps Derendorf and Regimentskapelle Werner Bendels, is still a significant event that underlines the preservation of a rich local heritage that blends sport, tradition, and communal identity.
As the Schützen-Matinee continues to thrive, so does the hope for the traditional Schützenfest regulations next year. The event serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of Düsseldorf's Schützenverein and its commitment to preserving the city's unique cultural heritage.
In the Heart of Düsseldorf, the Schützen-Matinee was more than just a gathering; it was a celebration of the city's rich heritage, serving as a formal precursor to the Schützenfest. This event, often held in the Altstadtsaal, showcases the home-and-garden culture with its blend of traditional customs and modern decor, creating an atmosphere comparable to a home-and-garden show.
