Mexico City chases world record for largest Mexican wave ahead of World Cup

Mexico City's iconic Paseo de la Reforma transformed into a sea of people on Saturday as thousands attempted to set a new world record for the largest Mexican wave. The event, held in the country that gave the stadium ritual its name, marks the 40th anniversary of the wave's debut during the 1986 World Cup.

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It's not about breaking a record, it's about setting one, this is something unprecedented.

Mexico is gearing up to host the World Cup for a third time, a historic milestone after 1970 and 1986. On Saturday morning, participants, many donning the national team's green jersey, lined the boulevard, waving flags and chanting. They threw up their arms in sequence, creating a rolling motion that surged through the massive crowd.

Guinness World Records already tracks various wave categories, including the largest by participants (157,574 in the U.S. in 2008), longest wave line (8,453 in Portugal in 2007), and longest timed wave (17 minutes, 14 seconds in Japan in 2015). A Mexico City government spokeswoman stated the objective was to set a record outside a stadium, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the attempt. "It's not about breaking a record, it's about setting one, this is something unprecedented," she said.

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We came to participate in the biggest wave in the world and to support our national team. We are Mexican and we are very proud of our country.

Participants shared their enthusiasm. Teresa Lopez, who traveled to join the event, said, "We came to participate in the biggest wave in the world and to support our national team. We are Mexican and we are very proud of our country." International visitors were also caught up in the celebratory atmosphere. Tourist Vivia Shivers noted, "It's a special location, it's a contribution to a World Cup, and participating feels wonderful."

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It's a special location, it's a contribution to a World Cup, and participating feels wonderful.