Silang sets new world record for candle relay

SILANG, Cavite: The local government of Silang and the Catholic Church have successfully surpassed the Guinness World Record set by India for the longest line of candles lit in relay of 366 candles on Sunday night, January 22.

However, it took the people of Silang three tries to set the new record of 621 candles as witnessed and approved by Guinness World Records official adjudicator Kazuyoshi Kirimura.

On the first attempt to break the record, the relay ended at the 32nd candle. On the second try, the relay lasted for only 121 candles.

The organizers decided to try again and lit candle No.1 at 7:30 p.m. The record was breached when the 367th candle was lit at 10:10 p.m. and the relay came to an end at 11:18 p.m. after setting a new world record of 621 candles.

Silang Mayor Kevin Anarna jumpstarted the relay by lighting the first candle at the image of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria right in front of the church’s door in Barangay Poblacion 2 here.

“At first I was discouraged because 366 is hard to beat and we need to reach 367 candles. On the first attempt, it stopped at 32, then on the second attempt, it stopped again at 121. In my mind, it looks like it will be difficult for us to reach 367,” Anarna said.

“But I was optimistic that the 700 people who registered will get it done. So when we reached 367, I was very happy. I knew the wind was a bit strong in front of the church, but with the help of the prayers of our countrymen, we succeeded and got the record of 621.”

A certificate was awarded to the municipality by the Guinness World Records, saying that the town of Silang achieved the longest line of candles lit in relay.

“What gave us the win is the dedication of the people and the desire to set a world record in the name of Silang, dedicated to our dear patrón Nuestra Señora de Candelaria or Our Lady of Candles,” Anarna added.

The attempt to break the world record was held to commemorate the feast day of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria.

On Oct. 14, 2016, an event organized by the Superpositivity Movement, Vickrant Mahajan and Model Academy in India lit 366 candles in a relay.