Saltillo, Coahuila — Chefs from La Universidad Vizcaya de las Américas were awarded the Guinness record for the longest Rosca de Reyes (ring of the kings) bread in the world.
Coming in at 2,065.43 meters, the lengthy traditional bread beat the previous world holder for the longest loaf, which was Switzerland.
Carlos Tapia of Guinness World Records for Latin America verified the length of the bread and its new world record, noting that the previos record was held by Switzerland with 973.24 meters in 2011.
“Mexico has set the bar very high, so I do not believe that they will be contacting us in the next few years to break this record,” he said.
The bread, Rosca de Reyes (ring of the kings), is a traditional Mexican sweet bread made to celebrate Reyes Magos. Chefs from the university spent days baking the bread that involved more than 300 volunteers.
Rolando Franc, director of La Universidad Vizcaya de las Américas, said that the bread was made with support of the municipality. He explained it’s main ingredients are flour, sugar, milk, eggs and fruit, adding that this particular ring also included more than 7,000 “dolls” inside.
Inside any Rosca de Reyes are plastic baby Jesus dolls. While traditions vary, it is believed that those who get the dolls in their piece will have good fortune for the year, be king for a day or a named godparent.
In return, they must invite friends and family for a traditional tamale feast on February 2 for Día de la Candelaria or Feast of Purification. The Rosca de Reyes bread help believers remember that God can turn darkness and bitterness into light and sweetness.
More than 3,000 people were on hand to help eat the holiday sweet bread after it was judged by Guinness. It is the university’s fifth year making the large ring.
