Tilburg Welcomes Thousands for Annual Redhead Days Festival

Tilburg Welcomes Thousands of Redheads for Annual Festival

TILBURG, Netherlands (AP) — This weekend, the southern Dutch city of Tilburg is bursting with vibrant hues as thousands of redheads from around the globe converge for the annual Redhead Days festival, a unique celebration of fiery locks and community spirit.

The 2025 edition of the festival promises an array of activities, including live music, food trucks, and specialized workshops catering to the unique needs of redheads. From makeup tutorials to skin cancer prevention sessions, attendees can enjoy a weekend filled with fun and education.

Organizers anticipate that the three-day event will attract several thousand participants from approximately 80 countries, making it a truly international gathering.

Elounda Bakker, a 29-year-old festival veteran, shared her experience of camaraderie and connection. “I came out of curiosity mostly, just to see what it would be like not to stand out in the crowd,” she said. “It was really an interesting first experience, and I just keep coming because I met some really nice friends here.”

Among the attendees is magician Daniel Hank, who traveled six hours from Germany to join the festivities. Proud of his red beard, which once made him a target for bullying, Hank now embraces his unique look. “I think it’s really easy to recognize me because there are not that many people with a red beard, and not many guys with long red hair,” he remarked.

The festival is free for all, with the exception of the much-anticipated group photo on Sunday, which is exclusive to “natural” redheads. This tradition has previously set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people with natural red hair, with 1,672 participants in 2013.

The origins of the festival trace back two decades to Dutch artist Bart Rouwenhorst, who initially sought 15 red-haired models for an art project. The overwhelming response led to the first gathering, and Rouwenhorst has since transformed it into the vibrant multiday event it is today. “The festival is really amazing because all the people resemble each other and feel like it’s a family,” he said.

As the festivities continue, Tilburg is alive with laughter, music, and the unmistakable spirit of redheads celebrating their uniqueness together.

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