Alcanar has been selected as one of the 20 Catalan municipalities chosen for observing the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. Furthermore, it will be one of the locations where the phenomenon can be witnessed for the longest duration, with 1 minute and 37 seconds of total eclipse. The City Council, supported by the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Diputació de Tarragona, has designed a special program combining science, culture, heritage, and gastronomy.
The mayor of Alcanar, Marc Chavalera, emphasized the commitment to making the municipality a privileged place to experience this event, with activities designed for all audiences. "We have prepared a program that combines science, culture, heritage, gastronomy, and inclusion," he stated.
The main activities will take place on the day of the eclipse, at 8:30 PM. The bullring, renamed «plaça de la Lluna», will be the epicenter, offering a prime viewing spot and a festive atmosphere with music and gastronomy starting at 7:00 PM. The Moleta del Remei, as «Mirador del Sol», will host a theatricalized visit with limited spots, while La Fanecada, as «Espai Serena», will provide an inclusive observation zone with low stimulation and a device for visually impaired individuals. The Casa O’Connor will feature an explanatory projection and a family-friendly scavenger hunt.
The eclipse celebrations will begin before the main event. Starting July 17, weekly activities are scheduled. These include a talk on solar eclipses by Anna Sanz, a family planetarium show in Les Cases d’Alcanar (requiring prior registration), workshops, yoga sessions, a talk on the historical perception of eclipses by prehistory doctor David Garcia, and guided tours to the Iberian settlement of Moleta del Remei.
