Russian city hosts record-breaking gathering of people wearing traditional Yakut clothing

By Rachel Swatman

Published 06 July 2017

The people of Yakutsk in the Republic of Sakha, Russia, turned out in their thousands to take part in an official Guinness World Records attempt.

A staggering 16,620 people took part in the Largest gathering of people wearing traditional Yakut clothing at an event organised by the Mayor of Yakutsk, Aisen Nikolaev.

Nikolaev wanted to celebrate his city’s cultural heritage, get local youngsters interested in Yakut history, and increase the city’s attractiveness as a tourist destination.

Participants donned lavish colourful robes, along with fur accessories and intricate head-wear.

Yakutsk is one of the coldest major cities in the world - traditional dress tends to be long and thick ensuring that wearers stay warm in the climate.

“I am glad that the participants rallied around this event. Particularly gratifying is the fact that not only representatives of the Sakha people participated in it but also of other nationalities as well. I was once again convinced that the Guinness World Records title that we set here are for the benefit of our society,” said the Mayor of Yakutsk, Aisen Nikolaev.

Guinness World Records adjudicator Pravin Patel oversaw the record-breaking display of cultural pride: “I adjudicated impartially and uncompromisingly, as required by the guidelines, but it was fantastic to watch so many people in traditional national clothes.”

This is not the first time the people of Yakutsk have rallied together to set a Guinness World Records title.

Back in 2012, 15,293 people achieved the Largest Ohuokhai dance to celebrate Yakut New Year and mark the beginning of summer.

Could a record attempt bring your community together? Fill out this form to find out how you could celebrate your city's culture in record-breaking style.