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South Africa fires up world’s biggest braai in bid for Guinness record
South Africa brought thousands of people together at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld Stadium on 24 September 2026 in a bid to reclaim the Guinness World Records title for the most people barbecuing simultaneously.
Around 3,000 participants were expected for The World’s Biggest Braai, held on Heritage Day, with roughly 500 pre-lit stations prepared across the venue.
Participants cooked boerewors, the traditional South African coiled sausage, alongside burgers, steaks and lamb chops. To qualify, each person aged 13 or over had to remain at an allocated station and barbecue simultaneously for at least five consecutive minutes. Guinness officials were reviewing aerial footage, access records and stewards’ reports, with a decision expected on Friday.
The target was 2,220 people, the record set in Ishigaki, Japan, in November 2023. South African organisers counted 2,412 participants during a 2025 attempt, but Guinness did not certify the result because competitors had not remained at their stations throughout the required period. This year, organisers tightened access, improved stewarding and introduced wristbands and designated cooking areas.
The event also celebrated Heritage Day, observed nationwide each 24 September and informally known as Braai Day. The festival ran from 9am to 8pm with music, food stalls, family areas and a beer garden, while proceeds were intended to support the distribution of one million meals across South Africa on World Food Day. Performers included Shekhinah, Matthew Mole, Lady Zamar and Mafikizolo.
Source: www.euronews.com
