The city of Tarragona is preparing to host the total solar eclipse on August 12th, an exceptional astronomical phenomenon. The Tarragona City Council, in collaboration with Port Tarragona and Marina Port Tàrraco, has organized a series of special events on August 11th and 12th that combine cultural, educational, and festive proposals for the public.
On Tuesday, August 11th, the Parc de l'Amfiteatre will be the stage for the official countdown to the eclipse. 24 hours before the major event, there will be a performance by the BUMT and inflatable elements inspired by the universe and space exploration will be installed.
The following day, Wednesday, August 12th, coinciding with the total solar eclipse, the celebration will move to Marina Port Tàrraco, one of the key points for observing the phenomenon in the city.
The mayor of Tarragona, Rubén Viñuales, has highlighted that the eclipse represents an opportunity to promote the city and experience a unique moment collectively, uniting culture, music, tradition, and education. He emphasized the desire for the spaces to become meeting points for citizens.
The Eclipse Festival will include live music, popular culture, family-friendly activities, and DJ sets. The program will begin at 5:00 PM with the opening of the World Youth Day Space. Subsequently, there will be a gathering of 'colles castelleres' (human tower groups), a watermelon tasting courtesy of Mercats de Tarragona, and a performance by the Quartet Mèlt.
At 8:05 PM, the show ORIGEN will premiere, a collaboration of three Tarragona artists: Aurelio "Piry" Morales, Rubén Jones, and Alejandra Brúgarolas. After the eclipse observation, scheduled for 8:29 PM, the celebration will continue with ProleBand and sets by José JL Deejay and Wilko (Cienwatios).
The Minister of Environment, Guillermo García de Castro, explained that the program aims to promote staggered mobility and an orderly distribution of flows around Marina Port Tàrraco. He also stressed the importance of bringing science closer to citizens and caring for public spaces.
The president of Port Tarragona, Santiago J. Castellà, valued the coordination among the involved actors and the collaboration of Port Tarragona in hosting the festival, which coincides with the 40th anniversary of the opening of the Moll de Costa.
The total solar eclipse of August 12, 2026, will be the first observable in the Iberian Peninsula in over a century. Visibility towards the west will be required, and observation must be done with specific, approved glasses.
The Tarragona City Council has distributed nearly 23,000 free approved sunglasses to ensure safe observation. Citizens are asked to follow organizational and safety instructions. Access to Marina Tàrraco and other recommended viewing areas will be free, and it is advised to arrive early and use public transport or walk. The venues will have security, ambulance services, information points, and portable toilets.
