New Haven has already been declared “Pizza Capitol of the U.S.” in Washington D.C. Now, the Connecticut city has its sights set on a new apizza feat: smashing the record for the world’s largest pizza party.
The current record was set two years ago at the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma, where 3,357 people gathered for the Guinness Book of World Records’ “World’s Largest Pizza Party.”
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But if the city of New Haven has its way, that record is about to fall.
“We are going to crush that,” New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said at an announcement of the record-breaking attempt on on the New Haven Green, the city’s central downtown park.
“Our goal is 5,000 people,” the mayor said. “Do you think we can do that? Yes, we can!”
New Haven will take its shot at shattering the record on Sept. 12, during the New Haven Grand Prix bike racing event and the already-scheduled Apizza Feast.
The city has long embraced its reputation as having some of the best pizza in the country, which locals often refer to as apizza (pronounced ah-beetz). New Haven had even earned recognition by the Library of Congress as the “Pizza Capitol” of America in 2024.
But for those who want to become part of New Haven’s record-breaking attempt, there are some strict rules to follow. To be counted, party-goers must first buy tickets and arrive between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET inside a gated area of the New Haven Green. They must also must remain in the gated area until 7 p.m. ET.
To be part of the record attempt, participants must also eat at least two slices of pizza at the festival. The event is also seeking “stewards” to assist and make sure everyone follows the rules.
Along with more pizza bragging rights, city leaders said the record will be another way to celebrate the Elm City and its rich history.
“Pizza is kind of our love language to the rest of the world, and we want the world to come and celebrate what we love and what we do best,” Colin Caplan, a local pizza historian behind the city’s Taste of New Haven tours, said.
