Year after year, Kevelaer Marketing plans numerous small and large events for Kevelaer and visitors to the pilgrimage town. The tight budget situation did not allow any annual planning for 2025 for a long time and the organization of numerous events came to a standstill. With the decision of the parliamentary groups to make a 10% cut to numerous campaigns and events, it is not possible to organize all the major events in recent years. Although the major events "Kevelaer im Licht" and "Kevelaerer Krippenmarkt" will take place this year, the budget will not be sufficient for the "Kevelaerer Heißluft-Ballon-Festival". Nevertheless, the hot-air balloons will not be missing in the Kevelaer sky this summer. "We have clearly decided against a shortened form of the festival. The event has grown in recent years and has attracted thousands of visitors to the city and the St. Jakob brine garden. A 'smaller' version of the event, with essential elements removed, would not do this event any good and more would not be feasible with the available budget. Nevertheless, we want to release around 20 balloons into the sky on the original festival weekend, 11 to 13 July 2025, and offer the people of Kevela a colorful picture in the sky. Next year, there will be another big festival, which will then take place every two years," says Verena Rohde, Business Development Manager and Head of Kevelaer Marketing. "I am delighted that, despite the difficult budget situation, we have found a good solution to allow the 'Aufsteiger' and other balloons to take off in Kevelaer. For many pilots, including myself, the date in Kevelaer is a fixed part of the annual schedule," says Michael Krämer, partner of the event and balloon pilot. Balloon launches are planned on the meadow opposite the St. Jakob brine garden on Friday, July 11 at around 8 p.m. and on July 12 and 13 at around 5.30 a.m. and 8 p.m., assuming good balloon weather. There will be a spectator area, but the supporting program will be paused this year.
Two-year cycle for major events
The budget situation will remain tight in the coming years, which is why the pilgrimage town of Kevelaer has decided to only allow certain events to take place on an alternating basis. "In future, we will alternate the two events 'Kevelaer im Licht' and 'Kevelaerer Heißluft-Ballon-Festival' every two years. This year, Kevelaer residents and visitors can look forward to an elaborately organized event with numerous illuminations and activities at 'Kevelaer im Licht' on 21 and 22 March. In 2026, the 'Kevelaerer Heißluft-Ballon-Festival' will take place in its usual form," says Lisa Verhoeven, Head of Events. "The 'Kevelaerer Krippenmarkt' will take place annually in its usual form, as it is indispensable for retailers and ensures high footfall in the city centre," emphasizes Verena Rohde, Business Development Manager and Head of Kevelaer Marketing.