Escaldes-Engordany's 15th Calçotada Draws Record 800 Portions

Escaldes-Engordany's 15th calçotada popular filled Prat del Roure on Sunday, with Unió Pro Turisme serving 800 portions of fire-roasted calçots, botifarra, bread, and wine—100 more than last year.

The event, held in the Carrer dels Veedors parking area to mark the end of Carnival, drew hundreds amid spring-like weather following a winter of heavy rain and snow. Around 15 volunteers and eight board members fired up the grills around 7 or 8am, with the first calçots ready by 10am. Each €8 portion contained 12 calçots, plus botifarra, bread, a drink, pitet, and romesco sauce suitable for celiacs. Long lines formed early near Clot d'Emprivat as steady crowds arrived throughout the morning.

Jaume Ambor, president of Unió Pro Turisme, credited the expanded 10,000-cançot total and smooth operations to his team's dedication. "The secret is the people we have here, the collaborators," he said, noting the good weather kept locals home rather than away on weekend trips. Cònsol Major Rosa Gili praised the festive atmosphere and the association's efforts, saying the mild conditions were a welcome change. "We're happy today because we've had a tough winter with lots of rain and snow, but this spring-like weekend is perfect for being outdoors," she added, predicting all portions would sell out despite some absences.

Minister Trini Marín and other officials attended, and a priest blessed the calçots. Organizers confirmed the full 800 portions distributed by day's end, surpassing the usual 600-700 and highlighting the event's growing appeal.