The Community of Madrid has set up 52 observation points for the solar eclipse on August 12, with a festival in Buitrago del Lozoya that includes food trucks, music, and workshops. Free tickets can be requested from July 21.
On August 12, the Sierra Norte of Madrid will become the best setting to witness a total solar eclipse, a phenomenon not seen from the Iberian Peninsula since 1905. The Community of Madrid has organised 52 observation points in small municipalities, with monitors and certified glasses, and a large festival in Buitrago del Lozoya.
Eclipse Festival in Riosequillo
The Recreational Area of the Riosequillo Pools, in Buitrago del Lozoya, will host the Eclipse Festival, a free event limited to 3,000 people. The event will include food trucks, live music, children's games, and educational workshops throughout the day, as detailed by the Minister of Presidency, Justice and Local Administration, Miguel Ángel García Martín.
Tickets can be requested from 10:00 hours on July 21 through the website of the Buitrago del Lozoya Town Hall, until capacity is reached. The festival is sponsored by the Pueblos con Vida programme, which aims to revitalise rural areas of the region.
52 Observation Points with Monitors and Glasses
In addition to the festival, the Community of Madrid has arranged 52 observation points spread across 93 locations in the north and east of the region. Each point will have monitors and experts to guide the public, and 36,500 certified glasses will be distributed for safe viewing, adding to the 20,000 already distributed in educational centres.
Attendees will receive informative leaflets with recommendations, and each pair of glasses includes a QR code providing access to useful information. The eclipse will begin at 19:30 hours and reach its total phase around 20:32 hours, coinciding with sunset, promising a unique visual spectacle from the clear skies of the Sierra Norte.
Public Transport Reinforcement and Safety Measures
The Regional Transport Consortium (CRTM) will reinforce the 191 (Madrid-Buitrago del Lozoya) and 193 (Madrid-Pedrezuela-Venturada) lines, both departing from the Plaza de Castilla Interchange. Real-time monitoring of movements is expected to adjust supply and demand.
On the other hand, the Madrid 112 Security Agency (ASEM 112) has activated the Territorial Civil Protection Plan (PLATERCAM) in operational situation 0, with reinforcement of firefighters and TETRA communications. The regional government urges heightened precautions due to the risk of fires: do not throw cigarette butts, respect flora and fauna, and collect waste.
Minister García Martín emphasised that the Sierra Norte is a privileged location due to the duration and visibility of the eclipse. This will be the first of a series of three: another total eclipse will follow in August 2027, and an annular one in January 2028. Interested parties can consult the full programme on the institutional portal set up by the Community of Madrid.
“The region is in the band to observe this event totally, making the Sierra Norte especially a privileged location, both for the duration and for the visibility conditions offered by its skies and open landscapes,” declared Miguel Ángel García Martín.
For those who miss out, there is still the opportunity to enjoy the Trio of Eclipses exhibition, provided by the Ministry of Education, Science and Universities, which was previously displayed at the Science Fair. A unique chance to experience science and astronomy in the heart of Madrid's nature.
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