Dracula Turns 125. A Record-Breaking Gathering of Vampires. It Happened in England.
That’s how 1,369 ‘vampires’ secured a spot in the Guinness World Records, gathering in Whitby, Yorkshire, England, to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the publication of Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula‘.
A world record for the largest gathering of ‘vampires’, claim the organizers from English Heritage.
The previous record was set in 2011 when 1,039 people with sharp canines and long black cloaks gathered in the American state of Virginia.
‘Dracula’ was first published in 1897.
According to some sources, the Gothic horror story was inspired by Stoker’s visit to Whitby in 1890, drawing inspiration from its 11th-century Gothic abbey.
As reported by the BBC, the event was organized by English Heritage as part of a year-long series of special events in honor of the book.
A grand celebration dedicated to Dracula, as evidenced by the music of the local band Westernra and the performance of scenes related to the famous vampire by the Time Will Tell theater group.
Jack Brookbank, an official judge for Guinness World Records, stated: “We are quite strict about the official costume requirements. It must include black shoes, black trousers or dress, waistcoat, shirt, black cloak or overcoat with a collar, and fangs on the upper teeth.”
Hundreds of Dracula fans visit Whitby every year, with many visitors asking for the location of Dracula’s grave, forgetting that he is a fictional character…
As the gathering drew to a close, the Gothic atmosphere and passionate discussions left a lasting impression on the participants, proving that even after 125 years, Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” continues to inspire and terrify in equal measure. This event not only celebrated the Count’s immortal legacy but also confirmed that the vampire myth is more alive than ever, adapting and transforming with time, just like the novel’s protagonist. Stoker’s influence endures, drawing old and new generations alike to the dark allure of the creature that defined a genre. The legend of Dracula, born from Stoker’s mind, is destined to survive for centuries more, continuing to haunt the collective imagination and leaving its mark on popular culture worldwide.
And since Dracula Turns 125, we too wish him a Happy Birthday.
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