Somosierra, a village at 1,440 metres altitude in the Madrid region, is bracing for a large number of astrotourists ahead of a total solar eclipse on the evening of 12 August. This celestial event, which has not been seen in northern and eastern Spain and the Balearic islands for over 120 years, will offer one minute and 29 seconds of total eclipse viewing in Somosierra.
The village, with 93 inhabitants, is preparing for logistical challenges, including parking, water supply, and food for an anticipated 2,000 visitors. Somosierra council's tourism manager, Irma López Muñoz, noted significant media and social media coverage has generated interest from Madrid and abroad.
The council is recruiting and training volunteers with the help of astrotourism experts El Nocturnario to manage the event. Authorities in the Balearic islands are implementing road restrictions on 20 main roads from 3pm to 9pm on the day of the eclipse to manage traffic.
This eclipse is the first of three significant astronomical events for Spain, with a six-minute-long eclipse in August next year and a "ring of fire eclipse" in January 2028. The Spanish government expects this initial eclipse to attract 446,000 additional visitors and generate an extra €342 million (£292 million) in tourist revenue.