Annamarkt 2026

From June 11 to June 13, 2027, the following will be offered:

• Historical Encampment in the City Park​
• Historical Market in the City Center
• Activities:

-> Historical Landsknecht Recruitment

-> Landsknecht Formation Drills

-> Reenactment of the City Defense (Battle)

-> Duel Tournament

-> Playful Performances in the Marketplace by Landsknechts and the Camp Followers

Apply to:​:

Oliver Hünewinckell

info@duyrener.de

+49 (0)177/3406254

The Event: This event depicts aspects of Düren’s moving history during the period between 1501 and 1543.

Venue: Düren—situated between Cologne and Aachen—was the most heavily destroyed city in Germany during World War II. Consequently, almost no historical buildings remain standing, and the city center is characterized by post-war architecture. As a result, the local population has largely lost its sense of connection to the history of our wonderful city—something we aim to change through this event. The encampment will be situated in Holzbenden Park, set slightly apart from the bustling market activity in the city center. Here, visitors will find themselves surrounded by lush, green nature.

Participants: Since historical records confirm that numerous soldiers—and *Landsknechte* (mercenaries) in particular—were present in our city during the aforementioned period, we are recreating a military encampment right in the heart of Düren. For this, we are primarily seeking soldiers and camp followers (*Tross*) representative of the 15th and 16th centuries. However, merchants, artisans, and other historical reenactors are also warmly welcome.

Depending on the effort involved and travel distance, our participants will receive reimbursement for their expenses.

Camp Life: Holzbenden Park offers ample space and a truly idyllic setting. Furthermore, we aim to provide a forum here for exchange and interaction among a wide variety of reenactment groups. In addition to permanent sanitary facilities, we plan to once again offer a tavern—complete with a bathing tub—exclusively for participants in 2027 (details still in planning). Shower facilities at the nearby *Rurbad* (public pool complex) are also currently being arranged.

*Landsknecht* Drill: Formation drills open to all interested participants—from beginners to seasoned veterans. These drills will also serve as the foundation for our ceremonial march and other activities taking place in both the city center and the park.

*Landsknecht* Recruitment: Here, we will once again stage a historical *Landsknecht* recruitment scene, depicting how such an event might have unfolded in reality. Indeed, *Landsknechte* were historically recruited in Düren to assist in the city's defense. Through this demonstration, we also aim to provide visitors with insights into various aspects of the *Landsknecht* way of life.

The Battle: In this segment, we will stage a skirmish to serve as a representative example of the military engagements of the era. The full scope of this undertaking has not yet been definitively determined; however, foot soldiers armed with polearms, heavily armored fighters wielding short weapons, as well as handgunners and artillery crews are all welcome. Unfortunately, within the city itself, we are unable to deploy crossbowmen or archers.

Duelling Tournament: Here, we wish to offer all interested parties the opportunity to test their skills in historical duelling. This tournament will be conducted under "light contact" rules (neither full contact nor the *Codex Belli* system). The goal is to provide an exciting test of strength and skill while significantly minimizing the risk of injury. However, participants should not expect any silly "light tapping on the shoulder" either. The specific rules for the tournament will be published separately. Our last tournament in 2019 drew many enthusiastic participants and spectators alike; indeed, even a participant from Ukraine offered our tournament his explicit praise.

Interactive Scenarios: We are planning various interactive scenarios and role-playing vignettes on the market square designed to bring the area to life—such as a thief being apprehended by the city watch, a dispute between a merchant and a citizen over a piece of merchandise, a brawl among young dandies, and so forth.

Historical Context: Following our last event of this kind in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic—along with other circumstances—brought our activities to such a standstill that we were unable to host any further events. Now, with the support of the City of Düren acting as the official organizer, we intend to host the *Annamarkt* festival every two years. Nevertheless, the association *AG Dürener Historienfeste* will continue to retain primary responsibility for the planning and execution of the event.