By Alfredo Espinola
Want to taste some pulque, the traditional Mexican fermented beverage that only rarely makes its way north of the border? Now you taste some of the world’s best…and take part in an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record!
On November 15, during the Tlaxcala la Feria de Ferias 2026, the community of Tlaxcala will stage a tasting of pulque in three categories: natural, aged, and mixed drinks. More than 500 people are expected to participate – if in fact that happens, the record will be set.
A representative from Guinness World Records, Ingrid Paola Rodríguez Borja, explained that the event must meet the established criteria for all three categories.
But Tlaxcala is no stranger to Guinness World Records: It already holds four of them, three of which are connected to cuisine.
Its current food-related records are for the longest line of quesadillas (11,206 of them, set in March 2026); the largest word made of bread (a giant word “Tlaxcala” made from 2,851 loaves of bread); and the largest display of taco varieties (186 varieties, displayed in August 2024).
The community’s sole non-food Guinness World Record is for the largest sawdust carpet (3,939 meters, built in 2022).
Of course, there’s more to Tlaxcala’s effort than just setting a new pulque tasting record. It also shines a spotlight on a tradition deeply rooted in the maguey plant and the communities that have kept this knowledge alive across generations.
According to Nathalie Desplas, the project helps preserve biocultural heritage and strengthen the maguey production chain, while also creating opportunities for those involved in the tourism industry. The pulque-based mixed drinks category also introduces a particularly interesting element: the opportunity to explore the beverage through mixology and present it from a contemporary perspective.
More than Pulque
If you attend the event, which runs from October 22 to November 16, you’ll enjoy more than just drinking the milky beverage.
Among other things, you’ll get to see the renovated fairgrounds. The project new spaces dedicated to artisans, producers, restaurants, and bars, as well as improvements to the palenque and the town theater.
The new palenque will open its doors on October 23, featuring a performance by Tlaxcala-born singer Carlos Rivera, while starting on the fair’s opening day, October 22, visitors will be able to explore the new spaces dedicated to gastronomy and local products.
The program will feature cultural, artistic, culinary, and sporting activities, as well as family-friendly events, charrería, a nighttime rodeo, and various performances.
For Santiago Fabricio Mena Rodríguez, Tlaxcala’s Secretary of Tourism, the fair represents much more than an annual celebration: it is an opportunity to share the state’s history, culture, cuisine, and traditions with domestic and international visitors.
“The Tlaxcala Fair has a special magic because it represents a reunion of families, friends, and fellow Tlaxcaltecs returning to their home state,” he said.
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