The annual Redhead Days Festival in Tilburg, Netherlands, drew thousands of red-haired people from around the world in August, 2023. The three-day event is a celebration of red hair, a feature only shared by only 1%-2% of the global population. And although redheads can be found all over the world, the numbers are higher for people from the north of Europe, where the rate (比率) is between 2% and 6%.
For many attendees, like 30-year-old Scottish Liam Hunter, the festival is an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging and self-acceptance. Hunter, who has experienced bullying (霸凌) due to his hair color, expressed a sense of satisfaction and unity at the event. “I don’t feel alone anymore. I feel together, a part of something,” he said.
The event, which attracted about 5, 000 redheads from various countries, offered a range of activities including painting workshops, make-up and skincare knowledge, photo shoots, musical performances, and speed-meet events.
Interestingly, the festival’s start was somewhat accidental. Bart Rouwenhorst, an artist and the event’s organizer, placed an advertisement in the local newspaper in 2005 seeking 15 red- haired models for a painting project. Surprisingly, he received responses from 150 individuals. Although Rouwenhorst is not a redhead himself, he decided to organize a group photo with all the respondents. The gathering got much attention and was considered a success, leading the organizers to establish it as an annual event.
Now the festival serves as a special stage for redheads to celebrate their differences, develop a sense of community, and raise awareness about the challenges they face, such as bullying and increased sensitivity (过敏) to the sun. It also provides an opportunity for non-redheads to learn about and appreciate the uniqueness of red hair.
8. What can we learn from the first paragraph?
A.Redheads celebrate their festival with various activities. |
B.Red hair is a common disease among the global population. |
C.The Redhead Days Festival is celebrated around the world. |
D.Population in northern Europe has a higher rate of redheads. |
9. What does Hunter’s experience tell us?
A.The redheads enjoy a high social position. | B.The redheads take pride in their difference. |
C.The redheads face discrimination sometimes. | D.The redheads have trouble keeping up with others. |
10. What is paragraph 4 mainly about?
A.The origin of the festival. | B.The popularity of the festival. |
C.Customs during the festival. | D.Activities during the festival. |
11. Which of the following can best describe the event?
A.Challenging. | B.Informal. | C.Remarkable. | D.Meaningless. |