L'Aplec del Caragol 2026
- Fri, 22 May 2026 – Sun, 24 May 2026
- 10am–11pm
- Camps Elisis, Lleida
- Lleida (day trip from Barcelona)
L'Aplec del Caragol is one of Catalonia's defining gastronomic festivals and one of Spain's most singular food traditions, held every May at Camps Elisis park in Lleida. The 2026 edition (XLV, the 45th) runs 22 to 24 May, preceded by a Cultural Week (18 to 21 May) with the opening pregón at La Llotja de Lleida on Monday 18 May. 124 colles (snail-eating clubs) and 16,850 penyistes will cook and serve 14 tonnes of snails to an expected 200,000 visitors over the three festival days. Snails arrive a la llauna, a la gormanda and in other recipes alongside brass bands, parades, castellers (human towers), traditional Catalan dance and concerts along the Segre riverbank. Entry is free; the public tasting zone (zona de degustació) serves snails at popular prices and the festival restaurants also offer menus, from a €15 snail tasting up to the €33 Gust de Lleida menu in Pavelló 4. The festival is designated both Festa Tradicional d'Interès Nacional and Festa d'Interès Turístic Nacional, making the Aplec del Caragol Lleida edition one of the country's officially recognised heritage food events. The closing Sunday includes a comida de confraternidad at 14:30 and the xarangada and fin de fiesta at 18:00.
Catalonia's most surreal gastronomic spectacle, and 2026 marks the 45th edition. Take a train to Lleida-Pirineus, head straight to Camps Elisis, find a friendly colla and eat snails until you understand why this carries dual heritage status. Sunday's xarangada and fi de festa at 18:00 closes the weekend.
L'Aplec del Caragol 2026 Dates & Location
L'Aplec del Caragol is an outdoor event held at Camps Elisis, Lleida in the Lleida (day trip from Barcelona) area of Barcelona. Entry is free.
What to Eat at L'Aplec del Caragol
Food
Snails (caragols) cooked a la llauna, a la gormanda; Catalan tapas; communal eating-club menus
Drinks
Wine, vermouth, beer
Cuisine: Catalan
Expect to find snails (caragols) cooked a la llauna, a la gormanda; Catalan tapas; communal eating-club menus among the highlights. On the drinks side, look out for wine, vermouth, beer.
Practical info for L'Aplec del Caragol
Getting there
Camps Elisis is a riverside park along the Segre in Lleida. Trains run from Barcelona-Sants to Lleida-Pirineus; check Renfe for journey times and the organiser's site for the site map.
What to bring
Check payment methods with each stand. Comfortable shoes for grass and gravel, a hat against the May sun, and a reusable water bottle. Don't bring fancy clothes, as sauce splatters are guaranteed.
Best time to visit
Check the programme at aplec.org for the day-by-day schedule. The closing xarangada and fi de festa is at 18:00 on Sunday.
What to Expect at L'Aplec del Caragol
Brass bands, parades, traditional Catalan dance
L'Aplec del Caragol features live music performances throughout the event.
How to Get to L'Aplec del Caragol
L'Aplec del Caragol takes place at Camps Elisis, Lleida, in Barcelona’s Lleida (day trip from Barcelona) neighbourhood.
L'Aplec del Caragol Tickets & Practical Info
L'Aplec del Caragol FAQ
When is L'Aplec del Caragol 2026?
L'Aplec del Caragol takes place Friday, 22 May 2026 – Sunday, 24 May 2026 · 10am–11pm. It starts at 10am.
Where is L'Aplec del Caragol held?
L'Aplec del Caragol is held at Camps Elisis, Lleida, in Lleida (day trip from Barcelona), Barcelona.
How much are L'Aplec del Caragol tickets?
Entry to L'Aplec del Caragol is free. Free entry; menus from €15 (snail tasting) to €33 (Pavelló menu).
Do I need to book in advance for L'Aplec del Caragol?
No, walk-ins are welcome at L'Aplec del Caragol. You can show up on the day.
What food and drinks are at L'Aplec del Caragol?
Food highlights include snails (caragols) cooked a la llauna, a la gormanda; Catalan tapas; communal eating-club menus. On the drinks side, expect wine, vermouth, beer. The cuisine focus is Catalan.
Is L'Aplec del Caragol kid-friendly?
Yes, L'Aplec del Caragol is family-friendly and welcomes children. It's a good option for a family day out in Barcelona.
How do I get to L'Aplec del Caragol?
Camps Elisis is a riverside park along the Segre in Lleida. Trains run from Barcelona-Sants to Lleida-Pirineus; check Renfe for journey times and the organiser's site for the site map.
What should I bring to L'Aplec del Caragol?
Check payment methods with each stand. Comfortable shoes for grass and gravel, a hat against the May sun, and a reusable water bottle. Don't bring fancy clothes, as sauce splatters are guaranteed.
What's the best time to go to L'Aplec del Caragol?
Check the programme at aplec.org for the day-by-day schedule. The closing xarangada and fi de festa is at 18:00 on Sunday.
Is L'Aplec del Caragol wheelchair accessible?
Yes, L'Aplec del Caragol is wheelchair accessible. The venue can accommodate guests with reduced mobility.
What are the opening hours of L'Aplec del Caragol?
L'Aplec del Caragol starts on Friday 22 May in the evening and runs through Sunday 24 May; check the programme at aplec.org for daily times.
