with the development of new industries and the establishment in Veghel of several international companies (e.g. Mars, Incorporated, FrieslandCampina, DMV International, Agrifirm, Kuehne + Nagel, DHL Supply Chain, Alliance Healthcare, ThyssenKrupp and Vanderlande Industries). Its shopping centre and marketplace earned the town the name of "Pearl of the Meierij". Veghel is an educational centre for the surrounding district with several secondary schools, a senior secondary vocational school, and one of the oldest higher vocational schools in the area: the Pedagogic Academy, which was founded in 1872. Since 1994, Veghel and the neighbouring town of Erp have formed a single municipality. Demographics Towns Population figures as of 1 January 2015, ranked by size: Population centres Population figures as of 1 January 2015, ranked by size: Language The language spoken by the native population is North Meierijs (an East Brabantian dialect, which is very similar to colloquial Dutch). Nationalities Compared to other towns in the region, the ethnic makeup of Veghel is relatively diverse. More than 22% of the town's population, or 17% of the municipality's population, is of foreign origin. In total, Veghel is home to people of more than a hundred different nationalities. About 90% of the municipality's total foreign population lives inside the town proper of Veghel. Local festivals Every November sees the celebration of the entry of St Nicholas (Sinterklaas). Every two years in June or July, the Slokdarmfestival takes place. On 1 September the harbour festival takes place. In February or March the traditional carnival is held. Attractions The neogothic church of St Lambert and its graveyard containing war graves The neorenaissance former town hall The neogothic former synagogue (recently rebuilt) The Protestant church The monastery of the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception from the Holy Mother of God with its gardens and church Notable residents Anky van Grunsven, dressage champion. Dillianne van den Boogaard, former Netherlands international field hockey player. Earnie Stewart, former United States international soccer player. Theo Lucius, former professional footballer for PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord. Theo Maassen, comedian and actor. Glenn van Berlo, racing driver. Twin towns - sister cities Veghel is twinned with: Goch in Germany Pont-Audemer in France Gallery References External links Official website Meierijstad Former municipalities of North Brabant Populated places in North Brabant Municipalities of the Netherlands disestablished in 2017 Port cities and towns in the Netherlands