Durban - Guinness World Record has named South Africa as the world record holder for the longest parade of hearses by knocking out the Netherlands which held the record for 10 years.
In a statement on Sunday, Funerex Africa, which is a trade expo for the funeral industry on the African continent, was recently notified that they have officially broken the Guinness World Record for the largest parade of hearses, with a 122-strong procession of hearses.
A statement issued on March 17, 2022, said hearses of every shape and size lined up on the 4.522km Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand in an attempt to break the previously held record of 107 hearses that was set by the Netherlands in 2012.
Rachel Stead, the Funerex Africa and FuneralCar CEO and founder, said leading up to the expo, the funeral industry had been dealing with the multiple challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Stead said it was a difficult time for everyone working in the industry.
“The record-breaking attempt presented an opportunity for everyone to come together and do something uplifting and prove that our industry is highly capable of joining forces in pursuit of a common goal. This achievement has certainly bolstered the industry’s sense of relevance and pride,” she said.
Funeral parlours pledged their hearses prior to the event, and all pledges were subject to operational requirements on the day of the attempt.
“While the target was 137 hearses, an incredible 122 lined up on the day,” said Stead.
She said various guidelines set out by Guinness World Records needed to be adhered to.
“The attempt was facilitated by FuneralCar and was overseen by vetted officials. Hearses and licences were checked before the vehicles, and their drivers got the thumbs-up to take their place in the procession. Each driver received a numbered wristband to aid counting and avoid errors,” she said.
Stead said the record is an indication of the industry’s ability to achieve something officially amazing when people were united.
The record was confirmed on the Guinness World Record website, which states: “The largest parade of hearses is 122, and was achieved by Funerex Africa (South Africa) in Midrand, South Africa, on 17 March 2022.”