On Friday, 25 September 2026, thousands of South Africans lit their barbecues in the capital city of Pretoria. The event aimed to break the world record for the largest number of people participating in a barbecue simultaneously. The attempt coincided with National Heritage Day, creating a festive atmosphere. Participants gathered at a sports stadium, preparing for the barbecue at around 500 stations.
The event organizers expected approximately 3,000 people to participate in the attempt to surpass the current record. The record, set in the Japanese city of Ishigaki in 2023, stands at 2,220 people. A team from Guinness World Records oversaw the attempt, enforcing strict rules to ensure the participants were counted. The rules required all participants to barbecue simultaneously for at least five minutes.
To be eligible for the record, participants had to stay at their barbecue stations for the entire duration. If anyone left their station, they would be disqualified from the attempt. Guinness World Records adjudicator, Paulina Sabinska, monitored the event, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the rules. The rules were crucial in determining whether the attempt would be successful.
The tradition of outdoor barbecues, locally known as "braai," is a well-established custom in South Africa. During a braai, meat is typically cooked over wood, coal, or gas. The event featured various foods, including sausages, burgers, steak, and boerewors – a type of thick South African sausage. The braai has become an integral part of South African culture.
This attempt comes after a previous unsuccessful bid in 2025. Last year's event failed to achieve the record as many participants left their barbecue stations. One of the participants, Alex Kotze, expressed hope for a different outcome this time. He emphasized that setting the record would be significant for South Africa.
Despite the large number of participants, the outcome was not immediately clear. Guinness World Records officials needed to review the evidence and data from the attempt before announcing the final result. Sabinska mentioned that the decision on a new world record could be made on Friday.
The result of South Africa's attempt to break the record for the largest barbecue in the world remains pending until the official verification process is complete. The event showcased the country's enthusiasm for the braai tradition and its desire to make a mark on the world stage.
Key points
- The event aimed to break the world record for the largest number of people participating in a barbecue simultaneously.
- A team from Guinness World Records oversaw the attempt, enforcing strict rules to ensure the participants were counted.
- The tradition of outdoor barbecues, locally known as "braai," is a well-established custom in South Africa.
