biggest ever maypole dance?

 I think this one is Basque.  There are 180 dancers in 3 rings around one pole.

The person who originally posted the link said "I can also remember 2012 with various maypoles and a huge one, that we are not able to repeat yet because we are since then trying to release the knots:"

dantzan.eus/bideoak/ezpalak-2012-kezka-zinta-dantza

You'll have to follow the link, I'm afraid, as I can't see any embed code.

He's right about the knots.....

Large plaits are very tricky.  This one is harder because there aren't equal numbers of men and women, which means it's easier for someone to accidentally face in the wrong direction when starting the plait.

Here's another Basque one, normal size poles this time.

If the embed doesn't work, visits dantzan.eus/bideoak/ezpalak-2006-sarian-zunzun-beasain

I'm rather chuffed that I managed to predict the moves, just from knowing it was Basque.  The Basque dance is the only one I know that uses a progressive hey to start the plait (instead of everyone starting at the same time, a single couple pass shoulders at first and then they move onto other couples who join in as they are reached).

I love how light the dancers are on their feet. It has an almost balletic feel.

'sword' dances

 In the Basque country, the term 'sword dance' includes a wide range of things.

This one is done with brooms and is very different in style, but I would still regard it as part of the sword dance family.

Fingers crossed for the embed code to work...

If you can't see anything, go here dantzan.eus/bideoak/ezpalak-2006-sarian-zunzun-beasain