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Thousands of people packed Mexico City's famous Paseo de la Reforma, hoping to set a new world record for the largest human wave. The event took place just days before the country hosts the opening match of the FIFA World Cup.
The wave, a tradition that became famous during Mexico's 1986 World Cup, brought people together along a two-kilometer (1.2-mile) section of the city's main avenue.
Many wore national football jerseys and waved flags, dancing to live music before starting the wave.
A master of ceremonies led the crowd, asking everyone to drop to their knees, bend, and then spring up quickly. This created a ripple of movement along the whole avenue. The front row raised their arms and knelt, and those behind copied the motion until everyone moved together.
Sally Aviles, a 31-year-old content creator in the front row, was confident the attempt would work. 'I say we're going to break it. There are already so many of us, and we can do it,' she said.
'We'll make it happen because we've always done it, at every game and in every stadium.'
People from all over the city joined the event. Some women wore elaborate gowns and skeleton masks like 'catrinas,' the famous figures from Mexico's Day of the Dead. The La Sonora Santanera orchestra played tropical music during the celebration.
Gloria Fragoso, 55, wore a traditional headdress and said the country is ready for international visitors. 'I couldn't miss out on being part of this wonderful event, on showing the world what Mexico is really like—the atmosphere, the love, the unity, the peace,' she said.
Fragoso also said that Mexico is 'more than ready' to welcome fans coming for the tournament, which is being co-hosted by Canada and the United States.
Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara are some of the World Cup host cities.
Authorities have promised to strengthen security in all three as they prepare for the tournament. Gang violence has been a concern in Mexico, so officials are working harder to keep everyone safe during the event.
Later, cultural authorities announced on social media that the record for the largest human wave had been broken, but they did not share more details. Guinness World Records will review the attempt to see if it meets the criteria for an official record.
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