Editing Minden (section)

=== ''Mindener Freischießen'' ===
[[File:Tambourkorps Freischießen 2010.jpg|thumb|''Mindener Freischießen'' (2010)]]
[[File:Kranzreiten Hahlen.JPG|thumb|''Hahler Kranzreiten'']]
The {{lang|de|Mindener Freischießen}} (Minden Free Shooting) is a unique public festival that takes place usually every two years. It is arranged by the military-like organized {{lang|de|Mindener Bürgerbatallion}} (Minden Citizen Battalion) with the {{lang|de|Stadtmajor}} (Town Major) on top. The battalion is divided into six companies, a squadron and a drummer corps, each of them headed by a captain.

In the Middle Ages the right of self-government corresponded with the duty of self-defence, and the citizen battalion was established for this purpose. Since 1682 the obligatory shooting exercises were arranged as a public festival, and as a reward the best shooter was exempted from taxation in the current year. The festival's name refers to this rule. In 1685 the [[Great Elector]] changed the rule, so that the winner got a reward of 50 [[Thaler]]. This rule has remained to present days: now the [[Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia]] as legal successor of the Prince-Elector pays the honour sum in present currency; due to the biennial rhythm two winners are determined.

The festival usually takes place in June or July from Thursday to Sunday in the town centre. The {{lang|de|Freischießen}} should not be confused with a marksmen's festival.