The city of Lleida saw a significant influx of visitors to observe the solar eclipse, with approximately 12,500 people watching the phenomenon from two main designated areas: Mangraners and the Seu Vella. According to figures provided by the City Council, the event is estimated to have generated an economic impact exceeding 2 million euros. Cristina Morón, Councilor for Security, Mobility, and Civics, reported a very positive assessment of the day, emphasizing the attendees' civic behavior and effective traffic management.
Mangraners attracted the majority of attendees, with around 11,000 people, while the Seu Vella hosted approximately 1,500. In addition to these main sites, the local police supervised other locations where citizens voluntarily gathered, including the AEM football field (750 people), Tossal de la Moradilla (550), Gardeny hill (250), and the Serrallarga area (200).
Visitors to Mangraners came from diverse backgrounds, representing nearly fifteen European and American countries, including Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Andorra, Poland, Germany, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Argentina, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Brazil. Visitors from various Spanish regions such as Aragon, Madrid, the Valencian Community, Navarre, and Murcia were also recorded.
The tourism impact was considerable, particularly for the Seu Vella, which saw its usual visitor numbers double. The monument welcomed 1,242 visitors between Tuesday and Wednesday, compared to the usual 250 to 300 for two August days. The City Council estimates that hotel occupancy reached 100%, contributing approximately 300,000 euros to the total economic impact.
Regarding mobility, the departure of attendees from Mangraners proceeded with unexpected fluidity, according to Morón, even less congested than usual traffic. Only brief, localized traffic jams occurred on the Tarragona road. The sole significant health incident reported was a case of heatstroke-induced dizziness at the Seu Vella, requiring transfer to the Arnau de Vilanova Hospital.
The Councilor expressed the City Council's satisfaction with Lleida's capacity to host large-scale events. The possibility of expanding the capacity at Mangraners was considered but ultimately rejected to ensure the safety and responsiveness of services. Morón also acknowledged the efforts of the nearly 200 individuals involved in the event's organization.
