MEXICO.- Thousands of Mexicans got a taste on Thursday of a "roscon de Reyes" ring-cake weighing more than 9,000 kilograms (19,823 pounds) that was distributed free in this capital's giant Zocalo square.

The "roscon de Reyes" - known in English as a King cake because it is made around Three Kings Day, Jan. 6 - is a tradition that has been followed at this time of year here since 1999.

This year, the cake was cut into pieces about half a meter (1.5 feet) long and then further divided among the public at stations set up around the plaza.

"It's very important to maintain this tradition, and what better (place to do so) than in the ... Zocalo," said Mexico City Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera, who was in charge of distributing the cake.

Whole families gathered starting early Thursday morning to receive their pieces of cake and chocolate milk from an army of volunteers.

Susana Fuentes told Efe that this kind of event helps foster healthy family activities. "The important thing is for the kids to come and interact," she said.

The vice president of Mexico's baking industry association, Antonio Arias, told Efe that more than 2,100 people participated in preparing the cake.

He estimated the cost at around 1 million pesos ($80,000 US Dollars).

Arias said that next year they will try to prepare a cake up to 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) long with the aim of setting a new Guinness World Record.

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