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Westhausen (dpa / lsw) - A centuries-old tradition defies the corona pandemic: Ten riders pulled through the town on Thursday in Westhausen (Ostalbkreis) on the traditional New Year's Eve ride from the town hall.
Only a few spectators followed the procession, which had not been announced in advance in view of the restrictions caused by the corona pandemic.
The tradition is the thanks for the sudden end of a cattle epidemic in the place in the 17th century.
In order to keep the risk of infection as low as possible, the riders were only on the move at greater intervals.
Usually several hundred riders take part in the procession, so last year around 230 horses rode through the 6000-inhabitant community.
The tradition goes back to the suffering of the farmers due to the cattle disease.
The desperate farmers then promised to build a chapel in honor of St. New Year's Eve if he would free them from the scourge.
When the epidemic actually ended, they built the so-called New Year's Eve Chapel.
Soon afterwards the custom came up on the saint's name day to ride to the lonely church, which was then built on a large corridor, and to thank God with a fruit offering, as the congregation says.
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The parish had discussed whether there should be the New Year's Eve ride this year.
However, there was quickly agreement that the tradition should be continued in 2020, said Pastor Matthias Reiner from the Catholic parish of St. Mauritius.
The procession took place for the 394th time.
She has not paused during several wars, said the pastor.