The Schützenbruderschaft St. Viktor Birten is one of the largest and oldest brotherhoods on the Lower Rhine, but in its almost 1000-year history it has never had such a big celebration as the Diocesan King’s Festival, for which hundreds of guests came to the village of Xanten last Saturday aligned. “We are proud to be able to organize this great party for our brother Klaus Ratz and his queen Bärbel. Klaus is the first diocesan king in our brotherhood, and it has existed since 1310,” explained Ludger Koppers, deputy brother master, during the preparation of the festival. In September 2019, Klaus Ratz achieved the dignity of diocesan marksman king against many aspirants from all over Germany in Paderborn.
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So far, the corona pandemic had made the celebrations impossible. Now it was finally time: Let’s celebrate! So it was quite solemn when the many royal couples from near and far moved into the St. Viktor parish church with brass music, which the Birten organist Markus Rüttermann and a small delegation from the Vynen music club played on the organ. Colorful banners, flags and standards towered over the couple and their companions, dressed in festive robes and smart uniforms, as they made their way into the front pews of the church, where they were greeted by Deacon Helmut van den Berg of Issum.
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