The Aplec del Caragol de Lleida closed its 45th edition with a new participation record after bringing together about 200,000 people during the weekend at the Camps Elisis venue. The event also gathered 17,000 participants spread across 124 groups, who consumed approximately 14 tons of snails.
The most crowded edition coincided with highs close to 35 degrees and with the collapse of the mobile phone service on Saturday night in the venue area. That coincidence forced attendees to resort to water guns, fans, and spray systems in the middle of the crowd concentration.
The heat reached almost 35 degrees and the mobile service collapsed on Saturday night
During the weekend, the organization reinforced measures to alleviate the high temperatures, especially in the areas most exposed to visitors. The central tent was expanded to offer live music, tastings, and more shaded areas.
In addition to these resources, the Camps Elisis venue registered continuous use of spray and ventilation systems to withstand the hottest hours. The organization will study new measures for future editions, with special attention to the areas intended for visitors.
On Saturday night, the high concentration of attendees caused the mobile phone service to collapse in the area. The problem coincided with one of the busiest moments of the festival.
Access control worked and the health services attended 120 incidents
On an organizational level, the access control system implemented last year worked without significant incidents. The massive influx, therefore, did not alter that entry mechanism during the weekend.
Ferran Perdrix, president of Fecoll, valued the edition as "very positive after closing with a record participation". The number of attendees consolidated an edition marked by the venue's response to the heat and by the high presence of the public.
The health services provided about 120 services mainly related to minor burns, cuts, or allergies. Three people were transferred in mild condition to the Arnau de Vilanova Hospital.
As a final piece of health data, three attendees were evacuated in mild condition to the Arnau de Vilanova Hospital during the weekend.