Seville’s spring tradition of caracoles draws locals to tapas bars
6 reported
According to an NPR report, springtime in Seville, Spain, brings the tradition of eating caracoles, or snails, at neighborhood tapas bars. The snails are smaller than French escargot and are eaten directly from the shell, cooked in a spiced broth unique to each bar. The season lasts about two months, and during this time, one local bar that normally does not serve dinner stays open at night and is packed every evening. The report describes customers who know each other and the bar staff by name. A resident noted that the neighborhood is becoming expensive due to tourism, but the tradition of gathering to eat caracoles remains important to the community.
What’s reported
Caracoles are a popular tapa in Seville during spring for about two months.
They differ from French escargot: smaller and eaten directly from the shell.
Each bar has its own unique spiced broth for cooking the snails.
One local bar that serves breakfast and lunch but not dinner stays open at night during caracoles season.
The bar is packed every night during that period, and many customers know each other and the staff.
A resident said the neighborhood is getting expensive due to tourism.
Key figures
Meli (bar staff member, pictured)
Juan (bar staff member)
Miguel (bar staff member)
An unnamed old friend of the reporter (resident who commented on the neighborhood)
Sources: NPR
