Thousands of red-haired people from around the world gathered in the Dutch city of Tilburg this weekend for the annual Redhead Days festival, a celebration of community, pride and recognition for those with natural red hair.
Now in its 20th year, the three-day event drew participants from more than 80 countries, according to organizers. The festival featured music, games, camping, creative workshops and even speed dating—all tailored to celebrate redheads and foster connections.
“You look alike, so you feel like part of a family,” said festival founder Bart Rouwenhorst, speaking to the newspaper Algemeen Dagblad.
Only about 2% of the global population has red hair, with the highest concentrations found in Scotland and Ireland, where roughly 10% of residents are redheaded.
Rouwenhorst said many attendees return year after year, forming lasting friendships—and sometimes relationships. “Some couples meet here and end up having red-haired children,” he said.