If one festival defines Lleida, it’s the Aplec del Caragol. Every year, in late spring, thousands of people gather on the banks of the Segre to eat snails cooked on a tray, bond with their group of friends and party until the early hours.
If you’re coming from further afield and going as a group, staying together near Lleida makes everything much easier. Cal Xolva, in Llardecans, is about 30 minutes from the city.
What the Aplec del Caragol is
- When: every year, on a weekend in May. Check the official dates for each edition.
- Since when: it has been held since 1980.
- Where: on the banks of the River Segre and in Lleida’s Camps Elisis park.
- How many people: it’s one of the biggest food festivals in Catalonia, with attendance figures approaching 200,000.
- How many snails: as much as twelve tonnes have been cooked in a single edition.
How it works
The heart of the festival is the colles: groups of friends who set up their marquee, cook the snails and invite passers-by. Around them there are parades, bands, brass groups, concerts, human towers (castells) and competitions.
Tips for going as a group
- Book your accommodation well in advance: Lleida fills up that weekend.
- Don’t drive into the centre: leave the car further away and walk, or arrange a taxi or a designated driver.
- Wear clothes that can get stained and bring something warm for the night.
- If you know someone in a colla, it’s the best way to experience it from the inside.
Where to stay as a group near Lleida
An entire rural house is ideal for a group of friends: you all sleep together, can have a long breakfast the next day and head home rested. At Cal Xolva you’ll have stone-walled bedrooms, a big dining room and a garden for a relaxed Sunday recovery.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to be in a colla to go to the Aplec?
No. There are open areas, concerts and activities for everyone, and many colles invite visitors.
When should we book accommodation?
The sooner the better: many groups book months in advance.
Come to Cal Xolva. Take a look at our rooms and spaces, check our rates and ask us about availability.
