RELIGION

More than 1,000 people gather in Utah, break Guinness record for largest nativity scene

Associated Press
Published | Updated

In this photo taken on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, more than 1,000 participants gather at Rock Canyon Park in Provo, Utah, in an attempt to set a world record for the largest recreation of a live Nativity scene. (AP Photo/The Deseret News, Scott G Winterton) SALT LAKE TRIBUNE OUT; MAGS OUT (The Associated Press)

In this photo taken on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, more than 1,000 participants gather at Rock Canyon Park in Provo, Utah, in an attempt to set a world record for the largest recreation of a live Nativity scene. (AP Photo/The Deseret News, Scott G Winterton) SALT LAKE TRIBUNE OUT; MAGS OUT (The Associated Press)

In this photo taken on Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, more than 1,000 participants gather at Rock Canyon Park in Provo, Utah, in an attempt to set a world record for the largest recreation of a live Nativity scene. (AP Photo/The Deseret News, Scott G Winterton) SALT LAKE TRIBUNE OUT; MAGS OUT (The Associated Press)

More than 1,000 people dressed as angels, wise men and religious royalty at a park in Provo, Utah, have set a new Guinness record for the largest live nativity scene.

The gathering Monday featured a variety of performers who made videos posted on YouTube. It is also expected to serve as a backdrop for a music video.

The Daily Herald of Provo reports (http://bit.ly/1FJW2h8 ) that a Guinness World Record judge determined there were 1,039 participants in the production that also included a camel, donkey and sheep.

That tops the record of 898 people at a nativity scene last year in the United Kingdom.

Organizers say breaking the record was secondary to emphasizing religious faith over Christmas-season shopping.