Nearly 100 Attend Second Traditional Aplec at Remote Sant Jaume Chapel in Encamp

Nearly 100 people gathered for the second traditional aplec of the year at Sant Jaume dels Cortals chapel in Encamp parish on 1 May, with good weather and a special bus service drawing a larger crowd than last year to the remote high-mountain site.

The event, the most distant from the village among Encamp's five annual aplecs, included a mass led by Mossèn Vargas, followed by sweet and savoury aperitifs and sardana dancing amid the Cortals' natural surroundings. Culture Councillor Joan Sans highlighted the chapel's special appeal, describing it as "tan maca" with features like a large front window, separate bell tower and forested location. Built 27 years ago after services moved from a higher site, the chapel marked its 25th anniversary two years ago with no special plans for the upcoming 30th.

Sans noted attendance topped last year's but aligned with some previous events, crediting the site's draw. "Sant Jaume has a power of attraction that pulls more people than other gatherings," he said, calling it a "magical moment of encounter" between villagers and Cortals residents. "It felt like more people came than in other years," he added.

He was joined by councillors Andreu Riba and Sabrina Torres, as well as Tourism and Commerce Minister Jordi Torres and Finance Minister Ramon Lladós, all from the parish. During the mass, Mossèn Vargas marked the anniversary of Spain's major blackout, urging less reliance on networks and mobiles in favour of face-to-face talk. He also criticised the war's impact on children.

Sans stressed the tradition's vitality, with each aplec a distinct celebration. The next will be at Sant Romà de Vila on Pentecost Monday.