The Generalitat is preparing a security, mobility and civil-protection operation for the total solar eclipse on 12 August, with the strongest totality expected in Tarragona, Terres de l'Ebre and southern Lleida. Barcelona residents travelling south should plan ahead, check traffic conditions before leaving and use designated viewing sites, as restrictions are planned on sections of the AP-7 motorway.

According to reporting by Metrópoli Abierta and El Periódico, 700 Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalunya's regional police, will be deployed alongside helicopters, drones and other monitoring resources. The emergency number 112 will increase its operational capacity for incidents linked to the expected crowds and journeys.

Authorities expect heavy traffic on the AP-7 during the afternoon and will limit lorry movements on certain stretches. Police will also monitor hard shoulders to prevent drivers stopping there to watch the eclipse, which the Generalitat says creates a road-safety risk.

Official viewing sites and certified glasses

The Generalitat has designated 23 official observation points across 18 Catalan municipalities, selected for visibility, access, safety and protection of natural areas. It expects about 50,000 people to follow the eclipse from those sites.

  • 150,000 certified solar-viewing glasses will be distributed free at the 23 official observation points.
  • The eclipse will be visible between about 19:30 and 21:00, depending on location.
  • Totality in Tarragona, Terres de l'Ebre and southern Lleida will last from 28 seconds to 1 minute 32 seconds, according to El Periódico.

People planning to travel can consult the Generalitat's official observation-points page for the designated locations. Around 60 municipalities also plan eclipse-related observation activities.

The Generalitat says viewers must use glasses certified to ISO 12312-2 when observing the Sun outside totality. Conventional sunglasses, smoked glass, X-ray film, CDs and mobile-phone screens are not safe viewing methods, according to the guidance reported by Metrópoli Abierta and El Periódico.

Montjuïc Castle opens late for Barcelona viewers

From Barcelona, the eclipse will be partial rather than total, although the sky is expected to darken progressively near sunset if weather conditions allow. The Ajuntament de Barcelona, the city council, will extend opening hours at Castell de Montjuïc for the occasion.

The castle will open from 19:00 to 21:30, with final entry at 21:00. Tickets cost €12 and, for that day only, include certified solar-viewing glasses, safety instructions and a short guided explanation of the eclipse.

Reported by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life, Patricia López Avilés, Germán González.