Nearly 10,000 folk festivals (called Volksfeste)­ take place throughout Germany every year. Many have a long tradition, some of them going back more than 1,000 years. They share common features such local music, food and wine/beer and showcase regional pride and a sense of community that transcends generations. A highlight of many festivals is a parade to celebrate local traditions. This clip by Deutsche Welle surveys some of these traditional festivals and their meaning in the respective communities. The video features, among others, the Hannover Schützenfest (marksmenship festival), one of the largest in the world. Gun access is very restricted, but target shooting remains a popular sport in Germany.