Fifth tractor pilgrimage in Kevelaer: Believe in 130 HP!

Fifth tractor pilgrimage in Kevelaer: Believe in 130 HP!

A touch of nostalgia blew over Kevelaer today, October 3, 2025, when the fifth tractor pilgrimage of vintage tractor fans took place. On this wonderful Thanksgiving Day, around 130 historic agricultural machines gathered to march to Chapel Square as part of a pilgrimage. Brother Wolfgang Meyer blessed the faithful companions in a solemn act, in keeping with the motto “Pilgrims of Hope”.

The organizers, the Hinsbeck Tugboat Friends, were able to welcome numerous pilgrims from different regions of Germany. It was an impressive sight when the tractors started from Hinsbeck at 8:30 a.m. and arrived at the parking lot on Basilikastrasse in Kevelaer around 11:30 a.m. All expectations were exceeded; Not only did the organizers hope for active participation, but the vintage tractor community also stuck together loyally.

A special pilgrim high mass

The festive mood continued in St. Mary's Basilica, where a special Thanksgiving pilgrimage service was held at 11:45 a.m. This was particularly tailored to tractor drivers. Pastoral advisor Dr. Bastian Rütten emphasized the down-to-earth nature of the pilgrimage and the joy that such trips bring. After the service, the participants had time to explore the city and fortify themselves with hot coffee and snacks from Michael Schweppe.

Another highlight was the big tractor ride across Chapel Square, which took place at 3 p.m. The pilgrims received a small light for the way home - a symbolic act to take the special moments of this event with them into everyday life. The participants were enthusiastic about the atmosphere and the community of tractor drivers. Klaus Jansen, Thomas Timmermanns, Heinrich Venmanns and Peter Schmitz proudly presented their beloved machines.

Weather that didn't dampen the mood

Although the weather wasn't ideal, the enthusiastic classic car fans didn't let it stop them from presenting their treasures. Many of the vehicles are without weather protection and require a certain amount of stamina from their drivers. But that didn't dampen the mood at all - the love for the tractors and the community were the focus. Lemkens, one of the organizers, emphasized the solidarity of the tractor drivers and was satisfied with the response.

Overall, the vintage tractors attracted a lot of attention on this special day and created an unforgettable atmosphere in Kevelaer. The pilgrimage is not only a tradition, but also a lively community event that brings people together and invites them to leave everyday life behind them.

The next pilgrimage could bring even more participants, with organizers hoping for over 150 tractors. Perhaps German Unity Day will prove to be even brighter for vintage tractor fans in the future. Those interested can find out more about the event on the website Lokalklick.eu, pilgrimage-kevelaer.de and kevelaerer-blatt.de experience.