Knabenschiessen
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Knabenschiessen is a traditional target shooting competition in Zürich,[1] first officially held in 1889 and dating back to the 17th century.[2]
The competition is open to 13- to 17-year-olds living, studying, or completing apprenticeships in the canton of Zurich.[3] Originally limited to boys who were completing a marksmanship course for defence purposes, the event began allowing girls to participate in 1991, coinciding with Switzerland’s 700th anniversary.[3] Knabenschiessen takes place each September and is marked by a local public holiday on Monday, along with a three-day festival featuring food and market stalls, live music, and a fun fair. Although popular in recent decades, the event has experienced occasional cancellations due to war or economic hardship.[3]
The event has occasionally drawn public debate. In 1990, some called for replacing the shooting competition with a broader youth festival. The proposal was narrowly rejected in a 1992 vote, and the traditional format was retained.[3]
As of 2010, approximately 5,000 teenagers took part in the competition each year, aiming to win the title of Schützenkönig or Schützenkönigin.[4] Participants used the Sturmgewehr 90 rifle and were required to shoot under the supervision of trained instructors.[4] The accompanying fair, held on the Albisgütli grounds, attracted up to 300,000 visitors over the course of the event.[4] Winners and finalists have occasionally received prizes such as cash awards and rides in a Super Puma army helicopter.[3]
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