Overview
- The total solar eclipse will occur on 12 August 2026 with the partial phase starting around 19:30 and totality arriving roughly between 20:28 and 20:32 depending on location, ending near sunset.
- Regional and local authorities have designated dozens of official observation points and festivals, with Madrid naming about 51–52 sites and Buitrago holding a 3,000-capacity festival.
- Officials are distributing ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses through municipal venues and planned handouts totaling tens of thousands of units to ensure safe viewing.
- The government expects a major tourist influx that could bring roughly 446,700 foreign visitors and about €342 million in spending, prompting reinforced transport, police and emergency deployments.
- Civil protection teams have activated wildfire-prevention plans such as PLATERCAM and the UVR and are urging strict eye-safety rules and restricted access or parking in vulnerable natural areas to reduce health and fire hazards.