The Aplec del Caragol faced its central day in the Camps Elisis of Lleida with temperatures around 35 degrees and a venue full of activity, institutional visits, and a reinforced security device. The 45th edition of the festival brought together groups and attendees this weekend in one of the most crowded events on the local calendar.
The celebration coincided with a sustained economic effort by participants, who assume an average cost of between 150 and 200 euros per person depending on the group and, in many cases, pay it in installments through fees. This expense coexists with a festival that seeks to gain external projection while maintaining its popular base in Lleida.
La Fecoll estimated more than 20 attendances from Friday night to Saturday
Ferran Perdrix, president of the Federació de Colles de l'Aplec del Caragol, made an initial assessment of the initial hours of the event and highlighted the public's response at the Camps Elisis fairgrounds.
"The assessment of these first few hours is very positive. There is a great desire for celebration and for a good atmosphere" - Ferran Perdrix, president of the Federació de Colles de l'Aplec del Caragol
During the night from Friday to Saturday, the organization registered more than 20 attendances and a single transfer. Perdrix specified that the evacuation corresponded to a person with a leg injury, who was referred for an X-ray.
The Guàrdia Urbana, Mossos d'Esquadra, and 130 private security agents hired by the organization are working at the venue. The deployment accompanies an edition marked by the heat and the high turnout of club members and visitors.
Larrosa attended the offering and the festival seeks international projection
The mayor of Lleida, Fèlix Larrosa, participated in the floral offering to the statue of Manolo Calpe, promoter of the Aplec. Also present at the venue were Hiopos Lleida player James Batemon and FC Barcelona players Joel Parra and Juan Nuñez.
Daniel Palau, bishop of Lleida, also attended his first edition of the Aplec. His presence comes as he is about to complete a year in office next July.
La Fecoll has organized a trip with half a dozen international journalists to reinforce the festival's candidacy as an International Tourist Festival. Among the planned visits is that of the Reuters agency.
The average cost for each participant ranges between 150 and 200 euros depending on the group, an amount that many club members pay through fees throughout the year.