More than 900 people from countries throughout the world gathered on Havanas iconic seafront on 25 November to set a world record for salsa dancing. Cuba was attempting to get the record for the worlds biggest salsa round dance, known as the Rueda de Casino, for 15 consecutive minutes.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Culture and included everyone from students to housewives. Applicants underwent a strict screening process and, in the end, dancers came from all over the world including Mexico, Colombia, Japan, Germany and Romania. Dancer Harold Iglesias, a Cuban journalist, said the event united people.
As you have seen there are more than 1,000 people and soon we will change within the round and its all a smile, its all rhythm, getting close - the round can be seen as a bridge, he said.
The salsa round dance is a Cuban tradition that often forms spontaneously at parties and celebrations. Giselle Mazorra, a spokesperson for the event, said that it was important for Cuban culture.
We have tried to encourage our culture. Dancing the round brings much diversity from the world. Here there are people from more than 17 countries, she said.
Cuba will submit its attempt to the Guinness authorities for review. Greece currently holds the record. In 2014, 1,102 people danced in a round for seven minutes and 16seconds.
