Portuguese Community in Canada breaks an Official Guinness World Record
Mississauga, ON, CA (September 18, 2022) – Yesterday, the Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga (PCCM) made history by playing host to a Guinness World Records™ attempt which broke the record for the Largest Portuguese Folk Dance, with 747 people in the final evidence-based official count.
“I am overwhelmed with pride by our members, the PCCM Folklore Dance Group, our community and the outpouring of support from friends of our community for coming together to achieve an Official Guinness World Records” says, Jorge Mouselo, President, PCCM “I am especially proud of the organizing team who worked tirelessly, in collaboration with the broader Portuguese community, both locally and globally, to make this dream a reality. We did it!”
Participants of all ages and from a mosaic of cultures with programming partners including: the PCCM Folklore Dance Group, Praias De Portugal of Montréal Folklore Dance Group, Provincias e Ilhas Folklore Group of Hamilton, Oshawa Portuguese Club Folklore Dance Group and Casa de Madeira of Toronto Folkore Dance Group accompanied by traditional live musicians, as well as Soul 2 Sole Latin Dance Company in Streetsville danced for a total of 7 minutes to the “Vira”, known as the Portuguese Waltz.
Over 1000 people registered to break the previous record of 744 people dancing for 5 min achieved by the Recreational and Cultural Association of Rendilheiras do Monte Folklore Group in Vila do Conde, Portugal while, “Dancing for Those Who Can’t” to raise awareness and funds for those with physical and mental health limitations. A portion of proceeds from the PCCM’s first ever all day and all-night open-air event featuring Rui Bandeira and the Karma Band, will be donated to three local charities: Canadian Cancer Society, Community Living Mississauga, and Luso Charitable Society. The cheque presentations will take place at the PCCM Folklore Dance Group’s 35th Anniversary on October 24, 2022, at the PCCM.
“Our passionate for keeping our vibrant traditions and culture alive and well, from generation to generation, through folklore dancing – and all for great causes that are close to our hearts is the foundation of our success in becoming the new Guinness World Records holder for the Largest Portuguese Folk Dance” says Andrew da Camara, PCCM Folklore Dance Instructor “We are grateful to all families that invest their time and stand behind the members of our dance group who danced right be their side to break the record.”
A big thank you to our major sponsors MDC Media Group, ACS Productions, and the City of Mississauga as well as LiUNA OPDC and LiUNA Local 183. As special thank you to members of the Portuguese media who also participated and especially, the PCCM planning committee who resiliently made this extraordinaire once-in-a-lifetime event happen for all to enjoy.
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About PCCM
The Portuguese Cultural Centre of Mississauga (PCCM) was founded on February 26, 1974. Our Cultural Centre has proudly represented the Portuguese Community in Mississauga for over 40 years. We have over 500 active members and our facility runs on the hard work of our volunteers. There are over 40 volunteers that work tirelessly every week to ensure our Cultural Centre represents our community to the highest standards.
Download Photos & Video of Guinness World Records™ attempt – credit: Alberto Nogueira
For more information or interview requests, please contact: media@pccmississauga.ca
Andrew Da Camara (Portuguese media) Dani Araujo (English media)
647-409-7304 647-779-7924
