Record-breaking snail festival welcomes 17,000 participants and 200,000 visitors

Snails might not be to everyone's taste, but 17,000 participants and 200,000 visitors at Catalonia's annual snail gathering can't all be wrong, can they?

The 44th edition of the Aplec del Caragol in the western city of Lleida came to a close on Sunday after a record turnout.

The largest edition of the festival to date also successfully met the organisers' safety challenges at the Camps Elisis, with entry controls enforced on Friday and Saturday night.

"We maintained a secure environment within the grounds, with smooth and continuous entry points," explained Ferran Perdrix, president of organizers FECOLL.

"No serious incidents occurred during the festival," he said, adding: "This is something we take pride in, as it sets an example of civility and coexistence."

Podcast

To learn more about Catalonia's annual snail gathering, listen to the podcast below, recorded at last year's event.