Over 12, 000 Mexicans Attempt Thriller Dance World Record

Hector Jackson, a Mexican Michael Jackson impersonator (pictured), who we suspect of having changed his name, was the organizer behind an event that took place on Saturday–Michael Jackson’s birthday–at the Monument of the Revolution in Mexico City where anywhere between 12, 937 and 13, 957, (there are varying reports), turned out to break the World Record for the most people to perform Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance. Whether all of them managed to perform it is debatable, but we figure at least 1, 000 of them pulled it off, which should break the record which is currently held by the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia where 242 students performed the dance in May. The Guiness Book of World Records has yet to give their verdict. They are expected to decide by next week.

Check out video of the crowd of thousands performing “Thriller.”

Here’s Local Media Coverage Of The Spectacle From Azteca TV

The interviewee says that 12, 937 people registered upon arrival but that many more had arrived and not registered.

Last month we reported that the group had converged to begin rehearsing.

Check Out Footage Of A Smaller Group Of Fans Rehearsing The Dance Last Month With Hector “Jackson” Taking The Lead

The event speaks to the overwhelmingly universal appeal of Jackson’s talent, as does the fact that the Associated Press was able to find tons of adorable tots like Caleb Omate age 3, (pictured), and Guillermo Rodrigez, age 2, who may have been the youngest psychofan out there:

Guillermo Rodriguez, 2, wore a wig of dreadlocks, a black fedora and a white glove as he practiced the moves minutes before the event, holding up a cell phone that blared a recording of the song into his ear.

His father, Guillermo Rodriguez Sr., is not a huge fan himself. But he said his son has become mesmerized by the Jackson videos that Mexican television have often played since the pop icon died June 25.

“Michael Jack!” the toddler screeched, pointing a chubby, un-gloved finger at a Jackson T-shirt held up by a nearby hawker.

And the beat goes on.

Did Mexico beat it? Fans go for ‘Thriller’ record [AP]