In the Murcian town of Moratalla, dedication has a name: Juan Sánchez Martínez, though everyone in the municipality knows him as Juan del Cobo. At 92 years old, he has achieved a remarkable feat of craftsmanship few could contemplate – hand-braiding a rope stretching 1,200 meters in length. This figure far surpasses the current record recognized by Guinness World Records, which stood at 251 meters since 2005. Juan has worked with infinite patience to achieve this astonishing and unique result, and the entire town observes with admiration as this neighbor transforms his time into a milestone.
A Labor of Patience and Tradition
The creation of this immense rope required no technical machinery. There were no timers or professional planning involved in this laborious daily task, only the patience of a craftsman seated under a simple outdoor shelter. There, next to his house, he uses a wooden trunk as an improvised table, repeating the same gesture he learned in childhood with scissors, a knife, and thread. Juan leans slightly forward, braiding meter by meter with apparent ease. The rope grew slowly, eventually covering the entire floor of his usual workspace, demonstrating a traditional technique that has survived the decades.
From Grief to Creation
This initiative did not originally initiate as an attempt to enter international record books, but rather as a necessary way to stay active after the passing of his wife. His family was acutely aware of the vital importance of manual work to him, and his eldest son encouraged him to resume the trades he had practiced throughout his life. Returning to the orchards of Moratalla and caring for animals was the beginning. This everyday activity soon became an emotional refuge from grief, and braiding rope transformed into a way to escape sorrow and identify new peace.
His grandchildren played a fundamental role, providing all the necessary material for the work, bringing sacks of thread to ensure the artisanal process never had to be interrupted. When one grandchild inquired about the total length, Juan simply replied that it was “a lot,” as he had been braiding since he was seven years old. The gifts he made to neighbors and friends evolved into a much larger project, and his family realized the gesture held a deeper meaning. Their support fueled his creative fire.
A World Record Unexpectedly Forged
A playful suggestion from a grandson to attempt a world record sparked a new dimension to the project. Juan, unfamiliar with the concept of the Guinness Book of World Records, simply smiled and continued his work. Yet, the growing pile of rope soon demonstrated that this was no longer a family pastime, but an extraordinary work built with admirable daily discipline. He decided to create the longest rope he could, transforming a joke into an unexpected global challenge.
Official Recognition
When the total length was finally measured, the surprise was immense. The 1,200 meters far exceeded any existing international mark. The previous world record was a rope of 251 meters in Korea, set in 2005 – a record Juan had quintupled. His family then initiated the process for official recognition, which was accepted by Guinness World Records. This recognition highlights the wisdom and technique that come with age and a lifetime of dedication.
A symbolic event to document this achievement will be held this weekend, bringing together neighbors, friends, and several generations of Juan’s family. From his children to his great-grandchildren, the image of Juan at the end of the rope will be a moment rich with symbolism. This artisanal legacy will be recorded for the collective memory of the municipality, a celebration of perseverance and hard work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the length of the rope Juan del Cobo created?
Juan del Cobo created a rope that is 1,200 meters long.
What was the previous world record for the longest rope?
The previous world record was 251 meters, set in Korea in 2005.
How did Juan del Cobo begin this project?
Juan del Cobo began braiding rope as a way to stay active and cope with grief after the passing of his wife.
What does Juan del Cobo’s story tell us about the importance of finding purpose and connection through craft and tradition?
