Thousands gathered along Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma days before the World Cup opener to attempt the largest human wave on record. Participants — many in national jerseys and Day of the Dead-inspired catrina masks — stretched about two kilometers and performed a coordinated kneel-and-rise to tropical music. Organizers say cultural authorities reported a possible new record, and Guinness World Records will verify the claim. Attendees framed the event as a welcoming display as Mexico prepares to host tournament matches.
Thousands in Mexico City Try to Set Record With Massive Human Wave Ahead of World Cup
Thousands of Mexicans packed the capital city's streets in an effort to set a new Guinness record for the world's largest human wave (Carl de Souza)(Carl de Souza/AFP/AFP)
Just days before Mexico hosts the World Cup's opening match, thousands of people filled Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City on Saturday in an attempt to create the largest human wave ever recorded.
The crowd — stretching roughly two kilometers (1.2 miles) along the iconic boulevard — paid homage to a tradition popularized in Mexico during the 1986 World Cup and now seen around the world. Participants wore national football jerseys, waved flags and some arrived in ornate gowns and catrina skeleton masks inspired by Day of the Dead imagery.
Music from the famed La Sonora Santanera orchestra set a festive tone while a master of ceremonies directed the synchronized movement. On the MC's cue the front row knelt and sprang to their feet with arms raised; the motion flowed down the avenue until the entire crowd rose and fell in a wave-like sweep.
“I say we're going to break it. There are already so many of us, and we can do it! We'll make it happen because we've always done it — at every game, in every stadium,” said 31-year-old content creator Sally Aviles, standing at the front of the line.
Another participant, 55-year-old Gloria Fragoso, said the event was a chance to show visitors "the atmosphere, the love, the unity, the peace" of Mexico as the country prepares to welcome fans for World Cup matches co-hosted by the United States and Canada. Matches will take place in Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, and authorities have pledged heightened security after years of gang violence in some regions.
Cultural officials later posted on social media that the record for the largest human wave may have been broken, though they provided no specifics. The Guinness World Records has said it will review the evidence to determine whether the attempt qualifies as a new official record.
Why it matters: The attempt combined national pride, cultural imagery and music to create a high-profile demonstration of unity ahead of one of the world's biggest sporting events, while organizers await formal verification from Guinness.
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