- Spain's first total solar eclipse in 121 years is set to occur, with the moon's shadow crossing from Galicia to the Balearic Islands.
- Authorities activated a special traffic plan, deploying over 33,000 police and Civil Guard personnel, and distributing 2 million certified eclipse glasses.
- Hotels along the path of totality are booked months in advance, and private viewing spots are rented for hundreds of euros.
- On the day, authorities estimate 400,000 to 1.5 million additional car journeys, with traffic jams expected on roads to northern and eastern Spain.
- The eclipse begins shortly before 8:30 pm, with totality lasting between 30 seconds and just under two minutes.
Spain is set to experience its first total solar eclipse in 121 years, with the event expected to draw massive crowds and significant traffic disruptions.1
Authorities anticipate an additional 400,000 to 1.5 million car journeys as people flock to the path of totality, where the moon will completely obscure the sun.
Traffic jams are already reported in regions like Catalonia, prompting the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) to activate a special traffic plan with additional controls and warning signs.2
To ensure safety, drivers are prohibited from stopping on roads to view the eclipse and must use dipped headlights during the period of darkness.
In preparation, the Spanish government has deployed over 33,000 police officers and Civil Guard personnel, while also distributing 2 million certified eclipse glasses free of charge.
With a high wildfire risk looming, authorities are urging visitors to exercise caution in forested areas and to use designated viewing spots.
The eclipse will commence shortly before 8:30 PM (1830 GMT), with totality lasting between 30 seconds and just under two minutes, depending on the location. This marks the first total solar eclipse visible over mainland Spain since 1905.5
“The eclipse's path of totality crosses from Galicia to the Balearic Islands, with totality lasting up to two minutes. Authorities estimate 400,000 to 1.5 million extra car journeys, and hotels along the path are booked months ahead, with private balconies renting for hundreds of euros.”
