Spain prepares for 2026 total solar eclipse
On 12 August 2026 a total solar eclipse will cross northern Spain, offering up to two minutes of darkness. Municipalities along the path, including Castellón, Freginals, Lalín, Valladolid and Soria, have organised free scientific programmes, planetarium shows and cultural events. The Castellón Planetarium hosted the "Los Sábados del Eclipse" series, attracting more than 600 visitors, and will run a full‑day free programme on the day of the eclipse with concerts, workshops and 140 volunteers. Local authorities such as the Diputación de Castellón and the Aragon tourism board have issued mobility plans and safety advice, urging the public to use certified eclipse glasses. The eclipse has sparked a tourism surge: hotels in Zaragoza and Teruel are reporting bookings at up to €1,500 for two nights, and gourmet experiences are being marketed in vineyards, hotels and historic sites. Scientists will also use the event for research, notably the Ecoeclipse project, which will record animal sounds during the sudden darkness. Similar interest is building in Iceland and Greenland, where the eclipse will also be visible, prompting international travel interest.