The city of Tarragona is preparing to host one of the most anticipated astronomical phenomena: a total solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. At 8:29 PM, the Moon will completely cover the Sun for 61 seconds, turning day into night.
The Councilor for Environment, Guillermo García de Castro, has detailed that the mobility and security plan has been designed inspired by massive events, while acknowledging it is a "live" operation due to the lack of similar prior experiences in the city. The main recommendation is to avoid unnecessary travel, preferring to watch from homes, terraces, or balconies.
For those without visibility from home or who wish for a collective observation, the council has designated six strategic points: Marina Port Tàrraco (with a maximum capacity of 20,000 people), Bonavista, Anella Mediterrània, Parc del Francolí, Campus Sescelades, and the Sant Pere i Sant Pau Football Stadium. The total projected capacity ranges between 60,000 and 70,000 people, who will be served by sanitary cabins, recycling bins, and first aid stations with ambulances.
The mobility plan includes traffic restrictions that will be adapted in real-time. Starting at 4:00 PM, access to Marina Port Tàrraco (Moll de Costa) will be closed, with capacity control and three pedestrian entrances. At 7:00 PM, traffic closures will begin at the peripheral observation points, affecting key routes in Bonavista, Sant Pere i Sant Pau, the vicinity of Parc del Francolí, and the Port area.
After the eclipse, the areas will be opened, and circulation will be progressively restored. At Marina Port Tàrraco, access will be limited to 20,000 people, with no bicycles, scooters, or bulky items allowed. A staggered exit is requested, taking advantage of cultural and musical activities until the early morning.
To facilitate parking for visitors from outside the city, available spaces will be increased. The usual 2,500 spots will be supplemented by up to 6,588 additional spaces in park-and-ride facilities and open areas, bringing the total to 9,088 parking spaces distributed across various city sectors.
The security deployment will involve the Guàrdia Urbana, Mossos d’Esquadra, Port Police, and private security, in addition to Civil Protection volunteers. Approximately 35 officers will cover the general city operation, with an additional 40 at Marina Port Tàrraco.
Finally, the importance of using certified eclipse glasses to look at the Sun is emphasized. In addition to the 23,000 glasses already distributed, about 20,000 more will be given out on the day of the eclipse, thanks to the collaboration of Catalunya Ràdio.
