Mexico has puckered its way to a new record, with nearly 40,000 people locking lips to beat the world record of simultaneous kisses.
The new record was set on Valentine's Day, when 39,897 people crowded into the Mexican capital for the group smooch.
‘There are 42,225 people on site, but unfortunately you did not all participate in the record,’ announced Carlos Martinez, a Guinness official who was monitoring the crowds.
‘The number of participants is 39,987 and the new record for the number of people kissing simultaneously goes to Mexico,’ he said.
Britain had previously held the record at 32,648 people.
Tourist groups and community activists organised the event to make a statement against violence in Mexico, where more than 5,300 people were killed in 2008 due to a rash of drug feuds and rampant criminal activity.
The group kiss also aimed to send a message to a local mayor who tried to ban kissing in the public square.
The kiss ‘sends a message to the whole world about Mexico's respect for al kinds of freedoms,’ said local tourist official Alejandro Rojas Diaz.
