Story By: Jonathan Macias, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
This is the huge 1,500-foot line of tamales which a Mexican city is hoping will be entered into the Guinness Book of World Records.
The more than 5,000 tamales, a traditional dish from Mexico made of dough steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf, was cooked in the city of Acapulco in the state of Guerrero in southwestern Mexico and reached 475 metres (1,558 feet) in length.
According to local media, the 475-metre-long line was made up of tamales of different fillings and was made as part of the first edition of the Tamale Festival of Acapulco this year.
The line of tamales was reportedly made up of flavours such as meat, fish, mussels, beans, sweets, cheese and herbs.
One of the cooks who participated in the activity named Rangelis Arzaga told local media: “It is the first time that this event has been celebrated but I want to have more tamales made. I made 200 myself.”
Reports said that several restaurants and hotels participated in the activity.
Cooking tamales on the 2nd of February is one of the traditional customs during the Candlemas or the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ, a Christian Holy Day commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the temple.
Historical records say that Hispanic conquistadors mixed traditional customs such as making tamales with the Christian celebration when they arrived in Mexico.
The local secretary of Social Affairs Milly Janeth Ramirez told local media: “We are trying to rescue our traditions and gather families from Acapulco and tourists together in a healthy leisure activity.”
Reports claim the new record was certified by public notary Arturo Betancourt Sotelo as the municipality will try to enter in the World Guinness Record book for making the largest tamale.
The current longest tamale was made in the city of Tabasco in November 2018 and it reached 50.5 metres long, according to local media.
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