Team Cargols take their cargolada (snail fest) to the water

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Snail Fest

Team Cargols is a Perpignan-based association created back in 2014.

Their goal: promoting and developing snail cuisine, in particular, the “petits gris” (little greys), at a local, national and European level.

Via their culinary crusade, they also seek to forge social connections and build friendships, raising money and awareness to shape a more humane society.

Well, if snails aren’t bothered by gender, colour, religion, political persuasion or age, why should we be?

*Cargolada

The Catalan tradition for an “-ada” (a meal, usually for many mouths, based around a single ingredient which could be anything from snails to chocolate – bullinada, cargolada, calçotada etc), often creates some highly unusual, charming and community spirited festivals. Often grilled or barbecued.

Images from the 2019 Aplec du Caragol in Lleida

Snail Fest – 23rd & 24th September, Toulouges

The four pillars of the Snail Fest are:

1. The conviviality of the cargolada, gastronomic heritage of Roussillon.
2. The Catalan culture and the richness of the Pyrenees Orientales region.
3. The participation of associations and exhibitors representing the area.
4. A varied programme, free of charge, to stimulate curiosity.

So whatever your opinion on the slippery little suckers, this is a great occasion to (re)discover the epitome of Catalonia.

Head to the Parc de Clairfont in Toulouges in September for plenty of local produce, snails and otherwise!

escargot