On December 14, 2024, San Rafael, Bulacan made history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Angels, with 2,000 participants. This beat the previous record of 1,275 set in Canada in 2015. The historic event took place at the town's Victory Coliseum during the annual “Angel Festival,” which honors the town’s patron saint, Saint Raphael.
Participants—ranging from children to seniors—were dressed in angel costumes, complete with white robes, halos, and wings. For months, San Rafael’s residents, including local officials and students, worked together to prepare for this momentous attempt. It was the culmination of a five-month effort spearheaded by Mayor Cholo Violago, who personally funded the costumes and logistics.
A Five-Month Effort Pays Off
The festival, celebrated every September 29, was taken to new heights this year with the world record. According to Municipal Administrator Aiza Mapoy, the record-breaking event was designed to boost both the festival’s visibility and the town’s reputation as a tourist destination.
Guinness World Records adjudicator Kazuyoshi Kirimura was on hand to verify the attempt, ensuring that all rules were followed. Once the official count was complete, Kirimura presented the certificate to Mayor Violago, making San Rafael’s achievement official.
Boosting San Rafael’s Global Profile
For many of the participants, the event was more than just a record—it was a chance to come together as a community. “We are so thankful because this is such an honor,” said one dancer. Another participant shared the excitement, noting, “We were nervous! It’s a big deal to break a Guinness record, so we had to prepare properly.”
With the record now in hand, San Rafael’s Angel Festival has gained international attention, and the town looks forward to hosting even more visitors in the future.
