Santiago del Teide Sets World Record with 1.15km Turrón

The town of Puerto de Santiago, in the southern municipality of Santiago del Teide, officially set a new world record this Sunday: the longest turrón. A representative from the Guinness Book of Records was on hand to carefully measure the Christmas sweet, even noting areas that needed fixing. They officially confirmed its length at an impressive 1,151.15 meters.

Because of limited space, the turrón had to be laid out in a zigzag. But if it had been stretched in a straight line, walking its full length would be like walking 1.15 kilometers – that's almost the length of eleven football fields.

From the very beginning, the organizers aimed to beat the previous record of 1,004 meters, held in Italy. To achieve this and put Santiago del Teide on the world map, volunteers and local officials worked tirelessly. But beyond promoting tourism, their main goal was to help others: to bring a piece of turrón – and a bit of Christmas cheer – to the tables of those who are struggling or have less.

Even though Puerto de Santiago enjoyed bright sunshine that morning, more like summer than the days before Christmas Eve, the local residents were in a festive, Christmassy mood, all eager to achieve the Guinness record.

Mayor Emilio Navarro explained, "The community aspect of this project has been our main focus from the start. We want to make sure that during these holidays, no home in Tenerife goes without a piece of this traditional Christmas sweet." So, after the measuring was done, turrón was handed out to the many residents and tourists present. A large amount of the giant dessert was also packaged for distribution by the NGOs who helped create it, ensuring it reached those in need.

Making a turrón over a kilometer long required the skilled hands of local confectioners. Joined by famous turrón makers from Tacoronte and dozens of volunteers, they worked tirelessly from 5:00 AM until after 1:00 PM. In total, it took eight hours of dedicated effort to create this enormous sweet.

Chef Pablo Pastor, president of the Association of Cooks and Confectioners of the Canary Islands (Acyre), coordinated everyone involved. He shared the impressive list of ingredients for this culinary achievement: 1,280 kilograms of gofio, 300 kilograms of honey, 250 kilograms of sugar, 150 kilograms of chocolate, 125 kilograms of almonds, and 150 kilograms of bananas. Once mixed, cooks and volunteers compacted the ingredients, transforming them into what is now officially the world's longest turrón.

Navarro highlighted the event's importance, saying, "This is fantastic tourist promotion for Santiago del Teide and the whole island, as the news will spread globally." He added that the turrón was made using local products, which makes residents very proud. Thanks to Acyre Madrid's collaboration, one special section was even made with different ingredients: pistachios and strawberries.

Navarro expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am extremely proud of all the associations and organizations that helped make the turrón, from health professionals to members of the College of Architects. For hygiene reasons, we registered about 150 people who directly participated in its creation."

Pilar, a turrón maker from Tacoronte's famous Turrones Maribel, shared her excitement about participating in such a unique culinary event. "And enjoying this festive atmosphere made it a true pleasure," she added.

After attendees had a chance to taste this special dessert, distribution began to social and senior centers in the town and other nearby municipalities.

Chef Pastor concluded by thanking the City Council and "all those people" who worked to make the turrón record a reality. He gave special thanks to the suppliers who helped during the preparation days and to the various sponsors.

Pastor emphasized his commitment to his role as gastronomic advisor to the City Council. He added that these types of events, which are both charitable and promotional, help establish Santiago del Teide as an international food destination. "We will continue working hard to ensure Santiago del Teide earns its rightful place," he stated.