Aplec del Caragol (Gathering of the Snails)L'Aplec del Caragol

L’Aplec del Caragol is Lleida’s famous three-day gastronomic snail festival, held in May. Thousands of locals organized in collas (meal groups) gather to cook and eat millions of snails. The event includes communal feasts, casteller (human tower) performances, sardana dances and music. The main focus is a massive open-air snail feast where visitors can sample traditional Catalan preparations of escargot (particularly caragols a la llauna). For visitors, this festival offers a window into Lleida’s food culture and community solidarity, as local families and clubs warmly host outsiders during the communal meals.

Originating in democratic Spain, the Aplec has roots in local Catalan food traditions. The snail is a traditional rural Catalan dish often eaten communally. Local colles (clubs) and cultural associations carry on the tradition, preparing snails in iron pans with herbs in a festive park atmosphere. The festival underscores Catalonia’s love of castells, sardanes and shared meals, transforming humble snail cuisine into a celebrated communal event.