Beginner's guide to Germany's shooting festivals

In a time when tragic shootings made headlines all too frequently, Germany prides itself on its strict gun laws. Nevertheless, it does have a longstanding tradition of shooting festivals. The events - organized by clubs around the country - date back centuries and are a demonstration of local patriotism. Of course, there's also no shortage of beer, food and live music. With the country's largest shooting festival, the Schützenfest Hanover, opening in early July, we present a short guide to this curious German tradition.