Ready for the Lowdown on Düsseldorf's Marksmen Parade?
Dusseldorf: Ceremonial Coronation of the Regimental Monarch in 1316
On this sweltering 15th of July, the marksmen of 1316 kept a nervous eye on the weather radar, hoping to dodge rain and thunderstorms. Thankfully, Mother Nature played ball, as Düsseldorf skipped the storm but kept the heat! The Sebastianers of 1316 welcomed just that shooting weather as they marched from Hofgarten, through the city center, to the town hall via a traditional route.
The equestrian marksmen, however, made just one appearance during the parade, leaving fans with a fleeting chance to see them in action. Skipping the town hall investiture, it was back to stables for our horse-riding heroes, with the Coventryplatz serving as their stop-over.
There was initially some debate about the route. Some spectators suggested a direct route to the town hall, but tradition won the day, with the parade continuing as usual. Alas, it ended for the horses at Burgplatz, where construction at the old customs house restricted access to the market square. No worries though, our horse friends didn't have to face the cramped conditions – they were safely taken care of on their journey back to the stables.
Meanwhile, Lothar Inden, a member of the Reserve Society, walked beside the King Andreas Auler's company, Company King Andreas Auler. Numerous honorary guests assembled in the Jan-Wellem Hall to see Regimental King Heinz Holzberg investiture.
Holzberg expressed sorrow that he couldn't celebrate his 35th wedding anniversary with his wife Ulrike, who died before Christmas, leaving a noticeable void beside him. Thanking his comrades for their support during his difficult times, he bid them goodbye with the words, "I'm done." A touching moment indeed!
Taking charge, Major Torsten Peters reported, "Ready for the taps." To honor Holzberg, the drum corps and music bands played a serenade before the traditional taps and a rousing rendition of the national anthem to bring the investiture to a close.
With the parade over, some societies decided to extend their celebrations at local pubs. On Sunday morning, the marksmen of 1316 gather in front of the town hall for a festival service at St. Lambertus, followed by a Rhine-side parade and a parade on the Reiterallee in Hofgarten, despite the construction at the old customs house.
For those eager to relive the day through photos, the picture gallery has you covered! And if you'd like to show your support for our website, feel free to browse the gallery, and we'd be delighted if you would send us an email to media@ourwebsite with your favorite picture numbers. We'll appreciate your donation as a token of gratitude. Cheers!
A Little Background for You:
This event likely belonged to the traditional "Schützenfest," a German cultural celebration that stretches back centuries, featuring shooting competitions, parades, and more. At the heart of these events is the investiture ceremony of a Regimental King, such as Heinz Holzberg. This is a significant moment for the marksmen community, often marking the crowning of a skilled marksman or leader. We hope this enlightens your understanding of such events!
The Sebastianers of 1316, while marching through the city, showed a keen interest in sports, as they marched from Hofgarten, through the city center, to the town hall via a traditional route, anticipating a day filled with their beloved shooting sports.
After the parade concluded, the marksmen of 1316 decided to extend their celebrations, gathering at local pubs, and planning for more sports-oriented activities on the following day, such as the Rhine-side parade and a parade on the Reiterallee in Hofgarten.
