Catalonia is preparing for a total solar eclipse on Wednesday 12 August 2026, an event expected to bring large numbers of visitors to viewing areas and require special arrangements for mobility, safety and health. Residents and visitors intending to travel to observe it should follow official eclipse information and any local access instructions issued for observation points.
According to the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC), the skies over Catalonia will darken completely for the first time in more than 120 years.
Catalan government commission will coordinate the response
The Government of Catalonia has approved an Interdepartmental Commission to coordinate preparations for the eclipse. Salvador Illa, President of the Government of Catalonia, will chair the body, while Núria Montserrat, Minister for Research and Universities, will serve as vice-president.
The commission includes 13 government departments and the IEEC, a Catalan space-science institute. The IEEC will lead technical and scientific support work.
Plans include observation sites, traffic measures and eye protection
The interdepartmental action plan is intended to cover scientific outreach, management of observation areas, mobility, tourism, safety and health prevention, the IEEC said.
- Official observation points are planned.
- Authorities plan to distribute certified eclipse glasses on a large scale.
- Special traffic and emergency-response plans are due to be activated.
- Educational and public-information actions are also planned.
The government expects the eclipse to affect Catalonia's scientific and educational activity, as well as social and economic activity. Visitors can consult the Eclipsi Catalunya official information page for information about the event.
Primary sources: Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades. Reported by Quim Portet, catalannews.com, Catherine Carey, Jordi Mumbrú, À Punt NTC, Gemma Garrido Granger, eclipsicatalunya.cat, Miguel Gomez, Público, russpain.com.
