Actopan, Mexico, Aims to Make History with the World’s Longest Barbacoa Taco

Actopan, a town in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors with one goal in mind: to break the Guinness World Record for the longest barbacoa tacos.

Baracoa is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of sheep slow-cooked in underground pits and covered with agave leaves.
On July 4, more than 50 local producers will gather to create over 12,000 tacos in a celebration that promises to elevate the culinary identity of the municipality.

The event is the main attraction of the World’s Largest Barbacoa Fair, taking place from July 4 to 13 in this town, renowned for its barbacoa, using recipes passed down through generations.

The fair was presented by Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, Mexico’s Minister of Tourism, and her counterpart in Hidalgo, Elizabeth Quintanar Gómez, accompanied by Actopan’s mayor, Imelda Cuellar Cano, who emphasized the pride this event represents for the local community.

“This isn’t just any taco — it’s the culinary jewel of our town: barbacoa,” said Cuellar Cano. “This record is a tribute to our land, our history, and our traditions.”

In addition to the record-breaking challenge, the fair will offer free admission, tastings, contests, live demonstrations of traditional cooking, and a showcase of other regional dishes such as ximbo (pit barbequed pork), tlacoyos (corn dough stuffed with assorted fillings), quesadillas (deep fried tacos), and beverages such as pulque (fermented sap of the maguey cactus). There will also be cultural and artistic activities for the whole family.

Breaking the Guinness World Record will not only be an international milestone, but also aims to position Actopan as a world-class culinary destination, attracting tourism, investment, and global attention.

The fair is expected to draw more than 10,000 visitors, providing a direct economic boost to local barbacoa producers, restaurants, hotels, and businesses.

“Today, culinary attractions are a powerful reason to travel. And Actopan’s barbacoa has everything it takes to win over palates far beyond our borders,” said Rodríguez Zamora.

With flavor, tradition, and community, Actopan is set to achieve something historic: becoming the barbacoa taco capital of the world.

Related: Mexico Reaffirms Its Role in International Tourism: Sixth Most Visited Country in the World in 2024, According to UN Tourism