The reason I was in Europe, and the event that would define my entire journey, was the 2017 Redhead Days festival in Breda, Netherlands. As someone with red hair, this festival had been on my radar for a number of years and it was a dream come true to finally attend.

I arrived in Breda after a few weeks of travel throughout Europe cities, but I was more excited for this weekend than any other part of my trip. Breda had been completely transformed for the weekend into a vibrant celebration of redheads from all over the world. It was impossible not to notice the sea of people red hair, whether it was copper, strawberry blonde, auburn or the deep shades of red. It was like walking into a world where my hair wasn’t something that set me apart, it was something that connected me to everyone around me.

The festival itself was a massive celebration of our unique trait, but it was so much more than that. The energy was contagious, and it felt like being part of an exclusive club where our red hair wasn’t just accepted instead it was adored and celebrated. There was something about the entire event that made me feel empowered. It wasn’t just about hair; it was about identity, community and embracing what makes you different.

One of the most unforgettable experiences of the festival was the mass photo on the Sunday. Thousands of redheads lined up to form one giant, vibrant crowd. I found myself swept into this gathering, it was a surreal moment. There was something almost magical about being part of that sea of red, standing shoulder to shoulder with people who shared something so unique and personal.

The whole festival was filled with activities that were both lighthearted and meaningful. There were art exhibits, redhead fashion shows, workshops on hair care and the history of red hair and even talks about how being a redhead has shaped people’s lives. It was fascinating to hear the stories of others who, like me, had experienced the highs and lows of being part of this small but unique group. It was an opportunity to not only celebrate our hair colour but to explore the history and cultural significance behind it, from the folklore to the often-challenging social experiences redheads have faced throughout history.

But it wasn’t all serious discussions or educational workshops… this was also a full-blown party. I hadn’t realised how much fun it would be to celebrate with so many like-minded people. We redheads might be known for our fiery temperaments, but let me tell you, we sure know how to party. Forget what you’ve heard about blondes and their reputation for partying: redheads were the real life of the festival. The energy in the air was palpable as we danced, laughed and shared drinks with new friends we had just met hours earlier. It felt like one massive reunion, even though most of us had never met before.

Breda, a town I had never heard of, had now become a place that held some of the most unforgettable memories of my trip. As much as I had been looking forward to the festival, it was the people and the sense of belonging that made it so special. It was a chance to be surrounded by others who understood the uniqueness of what it meant to have red hair, and to embrace our collective identity.

As I left Breda, I felt like I had gained something that would stay with me forever: a deeper sense of connection to my own identity and to a group of people who shared in that experience.

The Redhead Days festival was more than just a quirky event, it was a reminder that no matter where we come from, or what makes us different, there’s beauty in our individuality.