Thousands of New Zealanders have broken the Guinness World Record for the largest number of people performing haka, a ceremonial Maori war dance. The event took place in Auckland at New Zealand’s largest stadium, Eden Park.
Participants came together to take the record away from France. It set it in 2014.
The exact number of participants is still being counted. That said, a Guinness Book spokesman said the record has been broken.
Brian Sobel, Guinness World Records spokesman:
“Dear participants. The official number is still being counted as many people have gathered. But I can safely say that you have surpassed the previous record. You are officially amazing.”
While performing the haki, people stomp their feet, slap their thighs and chests and shout intimidating phrases. It is one of the most famous forms of Maori music.
The dance is usually performed in a group. Participants make a variety of grimaces on their faces. They are very important, and they determine how well the dance is performed.
In the past, haka welcome dances usually began belligerently, as the greeters did not know the intentions of the arrivals.
This is how armed Maori greeted James Cook in 1769.
