Pucker up kiddos, there’s a new heavyweight in town. Mexico City entered the Guinness book of world records with an almost 40,000 person strong group kiss.

Having more than 6000 drug related executions in 2008 and already over 1200 in this year, the Valentine’s Day kiss in our nation’s capital was a breath of fresh air, a reminder of what life is about; love, family, affection and unity.

More than 35,000 will simultaneously kiss to show that warmth and love are at the core of this capital, the heart of the Mexican Republic.

The event “is aimed at changing people’s attitudes toward human relations, especially between couples, so that respect, equity and tolerance are at the center of any relationship,”
- Mexico City tourism department

I originally had a question when I found the exact number of people who helped set the record was: 39,897. Curious as I am, I had to do the math and found 19,948.5 couples united to create this loving moment. My question? What happened or who is the “0.5″ in the equation; did someone enter a threesome kiss or was a lone soul left kissing them self? Lo and behold, the answer appeared in the form of Mr. Benito Zavala, a 53 year old storekeeper who didn’t have time to run home for his wife. Not wanting to lose the chance to help create history, Mr. Zavala united in the plaza with his 2-year-old Chihuahua, Onix, who was licking his lips.

The event which was held in Mexico City’s famous, Zocalo Plaza, also promoted A.I.D.S. and violence-free relationship prevention and awareness workshops to all who entered.