GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ for the Largest Portuguese Folk Dance
On Saturday, September 17, 2022, the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga (PCCM) made history by playing host to a Guinness World Records™ attempt which broke the record for the Largest Portuguese Folk Dance, with 747 people in the final evidence-based official count.
Participants of all ages and from a mosaic of cultures with programming partners including: the PCCM Folklore Dance Group, Praias De Portugal of Montréal Folklore Dance Group, Provincias e Ilhas Folklore Group of Hamilton, Oshawa Portuguese Club Folklore Dance Group and Casa de Madeira of Toronto Folklore Dance Group accompanied by traditional live musicians, as well as Soul 2 Sole Latin Dance Company in Streetsville danced for a total of 7 minutes to the “Vira”, known as the Portuguese Waltz.
Over 1000 people registered to break the previous record of 744 people dancing for 5 min achieved by the Recreational and Cultural Association of Rendilheiras do Monte Folklore Group in Vila do Conde, Portugal while, “Dancing for Those Who Can’t” to raise awareness and funds for those with physical and mental health limitations. A portion of proceeds from the PCCM’s first ever all day and all-night open-air event, will be donated to three local charities: Canadian Cancer Society, Community Living Mississauga, and Luso Charitable Society.
A big thank you to our major sponsors MDC Media Group, ACS Productions, and the City of Mississauga as well as LiUNA OPDC and LiUNA Local 183. As special thank you to members of the Portuguese media who also participated and especially, the PCCM planning committee who resiliently made this extraordinaire once-in-a-lifetime event happen for all to enjoy.
Guinness World Record Video
Guinness World Record Pictures
