Colombia Breaks Guinness Record With 13,800 People Drinking Coffee Together

When you think of coffee records, you might imagine the fastest barista or the highest espresso shot. But on October 4, 2023, Colombia made headlines for a different feat—gathering the largest ever group of people to drink coffee together in one place.

The answer is clear: 13,800 people came together in Tunja, Colombia, to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest number of people drinking coffee simultaneously.

Coffee and Crowds: The Record-Breaking Event

On October 4, 13,800 residents of Tunja, the capital of Colombia’s Boyacá department, gathered in a public square to drink coffee together. This mass coffee-drinking event was jointly organized by local government authorities and the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia. Their goal? To celebrate Colombian coffee culture and break a Guinness World Record. The event was successful—and officially recognized—as the largest coffee party ever recorded.

The Previous Record Holder

Before Colombia’s 2023 achievement, the record for the largest coffee gathering was held by Cologne, Germany. In August 2009, 8,162 people gathered there to drink coffee together. Colombia’s 13,800 participants more than doubled that number, setting a new global benchmark for collective coffee enjoyment.

Why This Record Matters for Colombia

Beyond the spectacle, the event had a purpose: to encourage more Colombians to drink their own country’s coffee. Despite Colombia’s reputation for high-quality coffee grown in the cool high-altitude regions of the Andes, domestic coffee consumption remains surprisingly low. Colombians drink less than half the amount of coffee per capita compared to Americans and only a quarter as much as people in Scandinavian countries.

Why Colombian Coffee Is Special

Colombia’s unique geography plays a major role in the quality of its coffee. The Andes Mountains divide into three parallel cordilleras, each providing rich, volcanic soils at elevations between 800 and 2,300 meters. Coffee thrives here due to the mild temperatures, consistent cloud cover, and narrow diurnal temperature variation—all of which slow bean maturation, allowing complex flavors and aromatic compounds to develop.

The country’s coffee regions are grouped into three main zones: northern, central, and southern. The southern zone, especially at elevations above 1,500 meters, is home to premium coffees. Huila, in particular, stands out as a leading source of award-winning beans. The diversity of microclimates across these regions results in a wide spectrum of flavor profiles, from classic chocolate and caramel notes to bright fruit-driven characteristics.

Colombia’s Coffee Consumption Challenge

Despite producing some of the world’s best coffee, Colombians themselves don’t drink much of it. The average Colombian consumes far less coffee than their counterparts in the U.S. or Scandinavia. Local initiatives like this record-setting coffee party aim to change that by fostering national pride and everyday enjoyment of locally grown beans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people set the coffee drinking record in Colombia?

13,800 people gathered in Tunja, Colombia, on October 4, 2023, to drink coffee together and set a new Guinness World Record for the largest number of people consuming coffee simultaneously.

Where did the previous coffee drinking record take place?

The previous record was set in Cologne, Germany, in August 2009, where 8,162 people drank coffee together.

What makes Colombian coffee unique?

Colombian coffee is grown in the Andes Mountains at altitudes of 800–2,300 meters, where cool temperatures, volcanic soils, and frequent cloud cover slow ripening, enhancing flavor complexity and aroma development.

Why is domestic coffee consumption low in Colombia?

Although Colombia produces high-quality coffee, its citizens drink less than half the coffee per capita compared to Americans and only a quarter as much as Scandinavians, prompting efforts to boost local consumption.

What was the goal of the 2023 coffee party in Colombia?

The event aimed to celebrate Colombian coffee culture, set a world record, and encourage more Colombians to enjoy their locally grown coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Exploring Colombian Flavor

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