Epic parade of hearses breaks world record

Funerex Africa, a trade expo and motoring experience for funeral professionals on the African Continent, has officially been awarded the Guinness World Record for the Largest Parade of Hearses, with a 122-strong procession of hearses. This Guinness World Records attempt was led by the 2022 winners of the FuneralCar Formation Driving Competition, SFS Style Funeral Services.

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 and concludes “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”.