SA breaks Guinness World Record for largest hearse parade
Funerex Africa, a trade expo and motoring experience for funeral professionals on the African Continent, recently received the exciting news that they have officially broken the Guinness World Record for the largest parade of hearses, with a 122-strong procession of hearses.
On 17 March 2022, hearses of every shape and size lined up on the 4.522km Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Midrand in an attempt to break the previously held record of 107 hearses, set by the Netherlands in 2012.
Funerex Africa and FuneralCar CEO & Founder, Rachel Stead, says leading up to the expo, the funeral industry had been dealing with the multiple challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The industry was a key player during the pandemic, with reports suggesting it grew by about 12% annually in response to the significant number of deaths caused by the infectious disease. Being at the forefront of this increase in deaths affected the wellbeing of many funeral service workers in various ways.
“It was a difficult time for everyone working in the industry and the record-breaking attempt presented an opportunity for everyone to come together and do something uplifting and prove that our industry is highly capable of joining forces in pursuit of a common goal. This achievement has certainly bolstered the industry’s sense of relevance and pride,” she adds.
Prior to the event, funeral parlours were filmed, pledging their commitment of hearses for the record attempt. These videos were shared on Funerex Africa’s website and social media platforms. All pledges were subject to operational requirements on the day of the attempt. “While the target was 137 hearses, an incredible 123 lined up on the day, with one falling out due to technical issues,” says Stead.
Various guidelines set out by Guinness World Records needed to be adhered to. The attempt was facilitated by FuneralCar and was overseen by vetted officials. Hearses and licenses were checked before the vehicles and their drivers got the thumbs-up to take their place in the procession. Each driver received a numbered wristband to aid counting and avoid errors.
This Guinness World Records attempt was led by the 2022 winners of the FuneralCar Formation Driving Competition, SFS Style Funeral Services. “One of Style Funeral Services’ highlights of the year was winning the 2022 Formation Driving Star Competition. We are the Landlords and Fleet stars of the Funeral Industry. A big thank you to the FuneralCar team,” stated Jeff Tlhagane from SFS Style Funerals.
“Funerex Africa is delighted to be recognised as a Guinness World Records Record holder. Not only does it place us more firmly on the map as Africa’s foremost Trade Expo and Motoring Experience for Funeral Professionals, but it is an indication of the industry’s ability to achieve something officially amazing when we stand (or drive) together,” concludes Stead.
SA breaks Guinness World Record for largest hearse parade https://t.co/ullrJvYhVz#ArriveAlive #HearseParade #GuinnessWorldRecord #FuneralCar #FunerexAfrica pic.twitter.com/OA3DBZZoWn
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 14, 2022
