Handelse processie

For several centuries, on Saturday morning in the penultimate full weekend in June, at the stroke of 06:00, a procession departs from Valkenswaard to Handel; a 40-kilometer walk to the Marian pilgrimage site, Our Lady of Handel.
The Handel procession, as this pilgrimage is popularly called, consists of a long procession of pilgrims followed by about 30 horses with covered wagons which, supported by a brass band, moves like a colorful ribbon through the beautiful Brabant countryside. On Sunday, at 10:15 a.m., the return trip is accepted.
At about 3:30 p.m., the procession arrives at the processional park in Handel. Here the pilgrims are welcomed by the pastor and the "Children of Mary" is sung one more time after which the pilgrimage is disbanded for the day.
Pilgrims then visit the Marian chapel to light a candle and pray a Hail Mary out of gratitude, comfort and support.

For several centuries, on Saturday morning in the penultimate full weekend in June, at the stroke of 06:00, a procession departs from Valkenswaard to Handel; a 40-kilometer walk to the Marian pilgrimage site, Our Lady of Handel.
The Handel procession, as this pilgrimage is popularly called, consists of a long procession of pilgrims followed by about 30 horses with covered wagons which, supported by a brass band, moves like a colorful ribbon through the beautiful Brabant countryside. On Sunday, at 10:15 a.m., the return trip is accepted.
At about 3:30 p.m., the procession arrives at the processional park in Handel. Here the pilgrims are welcomed by the pastor and the "Children of Mary" is sung one more time after which the pilgrimage is disbanded for the day.
Pilgrims then visit the Maria Chapel to light a candle and pray a Hail Mary out of gratitude, comfort and support.
Many pilgrims go home after this and return the next morning to walk with them to Valkenswaard. Others stay the evening/night in Handel, mostly with host families.
In the evening, there will be a Eucharist at 7 p.m. followed by the singing of the traditional Chrism in the church.
The next day there is a Eucharist celebration at 9 a.m. in the Procession Park, after which they leave for Valkenswaard again. Many will return there the following year....
Around 9 p.m. the pilgrims are back in Valkenswaard, where the weary pilgrims are welcomed by many interested people. Farewells are said in the St. Nicolaas Church where a last Hail Mary is prayed and for the last time the "Children of Mary" sounds exuberantly. This marks the end of an always impressive pilgrimage to Mary, Our Lady of Commerce, during which many realize, "Never shall ye perish!"