Brakel (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈbraːkəl]) is a municipality in the Belgian province of East Flanders in the Denderstreek and the Flemish Ardennes. The name is derived from a Carolingian villa Braglo first mentioned in 866 and located in the center of Opbrakel. Since 1970, the municipality has comprised the villages of Nederbrakel, Opbrakel, Michelbeke, Elst, Zegelsem. In 1977 Everbeek, Parike and part of Sint-Maria-Oudenhove were added. On January 1, 2006, Brakel had a population of 13,726. The area is 56.46 km² which gives a population density of 243 per km². The mayor is Herman De Croo.
The region is known for the green hills and valleys, which attract cyclists and walkers and play a role in the Tour of Flanders cycling race.
The Braekel chicken is named after the town.
The Uitkijktoren, a 32 metres (105 ft) high viewing tower was opened in April 2001. It is located at 50°48′45″N 3°44′21″E / 50.8124°N 3.7391°E / 50.8124; 3.7391 on the Twaalfbunderstraat, north-west of Nederbrakel. Orientation boards at the top enable visitors to identify places of interest in all directions.
Brakel is a town in the Dutch province of Gelderland. It is a part of the municipality of Zaltbommel, and lies about 8 km east of Gorinchem.
Brakel was a separate municipality until 1999, when it became a part of Zaltbommel.
In 2001, the town of Brakel had 2515 inhabitants. The built-up area of the town was 0.64 km², and contained 915 residences. The statistical area "Brakel", which also can include the peripheral parts of the village, as well as the surrounding countryside, has a population of around 2830.
It was cold that day in January 1931
Working late, high over the ground in the harbour of
Gothenburg
The ground was frozen, the wind was cold and the snow was
falling down
A shout in the dark, the ground turned red - Another
worker was dead
Chorus:
Honour to the workers who built our town
And risked their lives since 1621
To the workers who built our town
And risked their lives since 1621
For all that you have done ... since 1621
Chorus
... Honour to the workers who built our town
... And risked their lives since 1621
1621 - The year our town was born
With a harbour of pride and mighty ships that made our
town a name
A history worth reminding of and tell your kids about
When the people worked and risked their lives and gave us
a place to love