Aplec del Caragol breaks attendance record

Lleida opened the 45th Aplec del Caragol on Friday, May 22, with the traditional gathering of colles and penons before the inaugural Lo Caragolasso at the Camps Elisis. The festival, organized by the Federació de Colles de l’Aplec del Caragol de Lleida, or FECOLL, runs through May 24 and this year is billed by organizers as its biggest edition by registered participants. (aplec.org) FECOLL’s official site lists 16,850 penyistes in 124 colles, along with an expected 200,000 visitors and 14 tonnes of snails over the three-day event. (aplec.org) Segre, citing ACN, reported that the opening ceremony marked the start of three days of gastronomy and festivities. ### Why is this year’s crowd being described as a record? FECOLL said the 2026 edition brings together 124 colles and 16,850 penyistes, the highest tally highlighted in this year’s festival materials. Segre reported the opening as a record-setting edition with “close to 17,000” peñistas at the Camps Elisis. The 45th edition also comes with a scale that extends beyond the registered groups. FECOLL’s website says the event expects about 200,000 visitors and 14 tonnes of snails consumed during the weekend, figures that place the festival among Lleida’s biggest annual public gatherings. (aplec.org) Spain’s national tourism site describes the Aplec as one of the city’s signature gastronomic fiestas and says it draws more than 200,000 attendees in a typical year. ### What exactly happened at Lo Caragolasso? Friday’s opening began at 19:00 with the concentration of colles and penons at the Font del Passeig Central, according to the official program. (segre.com) At 19:30, the ninth Lo Caragolasso formally opened the XLV Aplec del Caragol at the Glorieta. The ceremony featured Xavier Bertran, known as Lo Cartanyà, as guest participant, while Trenca-Clasques was named Colla d’Honor 2026. The official program also listed appearances by Xaranga Mai Toquem Bé, Castellers de Lleida and presenter Sr. Postu, along with the award presentation for the 18th International Caragoler Graphic Humor Contest. (aplec.org) ### What are the new spaces for visitors this year? FECOLL and local coverage say the 2026 edition adds new visitor-focused areas alongside the traditional colla spaces. Tot Lleida reported that the organization expanded the public-facing offer through the new Gust de Lleida space, which gives its name and image to the dining and restaurant service aimed at visitors who are not penyistes. (aplec.org) The same report said the city’s Espai Lleida Turisme hosts a broad activities program for different audiences. (aplec.org) FECOLL’s program page lists that space in Plaça Central, where Friday’s schedule included live music and a “Remember 90’s” session, showing how the festival is packaging more of its activity for the general public rather than only for member groups. ### Who is using the festival to promote Lleida beyond the city? Ferran Perdrix, president of FECOLL, said before the weekend that the 2026 Aplec aimed to “internationalitzar Lleida” as an example of community and coexistence around gastronomy, according to Tot Lleida. (totlleida.cat) The same report said FECOLL organized a new press trip with international correspondents as part of its push for recognition as a Festa d’Interès Turístic Internacional. Lleida Turisme and the Diputació de Lleida are also part of this year’s setup. (aplec.org) Tot Lleida said the Ajuntament de Lleida, through Lleida Turisme, backs the Espai Lleida Turisme area, while the Diputació’s Gust de Lleida program is tied to the visitor restaurant offer. ### What still happens over the rest of the weekend? Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, remain packed with public events inside the Camps Elisis, according to the official agenda. The program includes the floral offering in memoriam, parades through the grounds, concerts, DJs, contests and restaurant service for visitors. (totlleida.cat) The 2026 Aplec is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, May 24, at the Camps Elisis in Lleida, with FECOLL’s official program and tourism listings serving as the main guides for the remaining public events and visitor services. (totlleida.cat) (aplec.org)