The Aplec del Caragol will return to the Camps Elisis in Lleida from May 22 to 24, with the expectation of bringing together 124 groups, more than 16,850 participants, and around 200,000 visitors for its 45th edition. The program was presented at the Fecoll headquarters with the presence of its president, Ferran Perdrix, the manager Carme Mauri, the vice president of the Diputación Sandra Castro, and the councilor for Culture Pilar Bosch.
The organization seeks an edition of maximum reach with access control maintained through free wristbands to limit capacity and reinforce security. At the same time, Fecoll wants to open the venue more to those who are not part of any group and has planned three new spaces to facilitate interaction between visitors and participants.
Fecoll expects 200,000 visitors and maintains free wristbands
Ferran Perdrix stated during the presentation that the Aplec aims to bring together 124 groups and around 200,000 visitors over the three days. The forecast also includes more than 16,850 participants and more than a hundred activities spread throughout the Camps Elisis venue.
"It aims to be a record-breaking Aplec, with 124 groups, more than 16,850 participants, and around 200,000 visitors, who will fill the Camps Elisis with more than a hundred activities" - Ferran Perdrix, president, Fecoll
Perdrix also explained that the organization will retain the free wristband access system. The measure, he indicated, seeks to guarantee security within the venue and control capacity during an event that brings together thousands of people in Lleida.
Along with this system, the federation wants to expand the relationship between the public and the groups. For this reason, it will set up three new spaces within the venue.
The Espai Lleida Turisme will add a tent for 500 people
One of these areas will be the central zone, which will be renamed Espai Lleida Turisme. There will be a catering tent with a capacity for 500 to 600 people and a terrace dedicated to the gastronomy of Ponent.
Catering will be handled by the Gust de Lleida initiative, promoted by the Diputación. The project will serve local cuisine dishes as part of one of the main novelties of this edition.
"We want everyone to feel welcome, even if they are not part of a group" - Ferran Perdrix, president, Fecoll
The Aplec programming will begin before the central weekend. On Monday, the inaugural event will kick off with the opening speech by M. Àngels Balsells Bailón, rector of the Universitat de Lleida, who will open the XXVIII Fecoll Cultural Week.
The federation will also present the Premi Caragol Bover 2026 to Jesús Bometón, a manager now retired after 21 years at the helm of the entity.