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Brüggen celebrates the winners of the Homeland Prize 2025!
On November 9th, 2025, Frank Gellen honored the winners of the local award in Brüggen: St. Martinsverein, Burg Garde and ÖIG awarded.
Brüggen celebrates the winners of the Homeland Prize 2025!
In the tranquil community of Brüggen, the most committed citizens were awarded the 2025 Homeland Prize. Former Mayor Frank Gellen presented the honors to the award winners and recognized their extraordinary commitment to the local community. The jury selected three special initiatives from ten submitted proposals, all of which strive to preserve the regional cultural heritage and strengthen the community. There were two winners who secured first place: the St. Martin's Association Boerholz and the Burg Guard Brüggen 2011 e.V.
The St. Martin's Association's award is particularly noteworthy as it is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The association is committed to maintaining the cultural heritage around St. Martin. St. Martin's Day is a social centerpiece for the residents of the Boerholz district, which is celebrated with great attention to detail. All the neighbors decorate their houses, and on November 15th there is a festive parade with torches and the historic St. Martin. In addition, an anniversary St. Martin's Ball will be held where the history of the club will be reviewed.
Burg Garde Brüggen and its diverse activities
The second prize winner, Burg Garde Brüggen 2011, with its 176 members stands for the preservation and passing on of traditional values and customs. The association is active beyond the boundaries of the community and is involved in various areas, from carnival parades to guard dance tournaments to the maintenance of customs. Cross-generational connections and the promotion of social values are particularly important for this organization's youth work.
A heart for the community
Third place went to the ecumenical interest group “Everyone at one table”, which is also committed to social cohesion in Brüggen. An open lunch is offered weekly in the Bracht parish hall, which specifically addresses people who are lonely or looking for community. This initiative creates a meeting place, regardless of nationality or origin, and the demand for this offer is constantly growing.
The Heimat Prize has been awarded by the Brüggen castle community since 2019 and recognizes the commitment of local actors. With prize money totaling 5,000 euros, which is supported by the Ministry for Homeland, Municipal Affairs, Construction and Digitalization of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, thanks for these important contributions to the community are expressed in a special way. Such awards help to increase awareness of culture and community life and lay the foundation for a liveable coexistence in Brüggen and beyond.