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A group of Argentine redheads gather at the Obelisk to celebrate ‘Redhead Day.’ More than a 100 redheads showed up to celebrate their shared gene mutation known as the MC1R gene, which causes red hair, freckles, resistance to anesthesia and a tendency to look older or younger than one’s age, depending on one’s particular variation of the gene.
Gingers are rare worldwide, but even more so in Argentina. They make up less than 2% of the population on earth, and 1.5% in Argentina, which includes men with dark hair but red facial hair. Argentina experienced lots of European migration in the 20th century, including from Ireland, but since MC1R is a recessive gene, gingers are going extinct.
The day’s event included ‘Ms. Redhead’ and ‘Mr. Red Beard’ competitions and prizes. The event is organized by Omar Fornataro, who founded ‘Pelirrojos Club'(Redheads’ Club) in 2013 in an effort to celebrate flaming hair and fight bullying and discrimination. Redheads are considered mufa (bad luck) in Argentina.