Old Limburg Marksmen FestivalOud Limburgs Schuttersfeest

The Oud Limburgs Schuttersfeest (OLS) is a traditional annual marksmen’s festival held in Limburg. It brings together roughly 150 guilds (schutterijen) from both Dutch and Belgian Limburg in a celebration of heritage and community. The event features parades, shooting competitions, masses, and festive gatherings culminating in the crowning of a champion marksman. It is considered Limburg’s largest folk festival and is inscribed as intangible cultural heritage.

Schutterijen (marksmen’s guilds) have medieval origins in Limburg. The OLS serves as a regional gathering that preserves these traditions, fostering camaraderie between Dutch and Belgian groups. It reflects rural Limburg heritage, where local guilds historically provided defense and later became social clubs. The festival embodies a shared cultural identity across both Limburges.