The Community of Madrid has organised 52 observation points and a festival in Buitrago del Lozoya for the solar eclipse on August 12, the first visible in the peninsula since 1905. A total of 36,500 approved glasses will be distributed, and public transport will be reinforced.
On August 12, the sky over the Sierra Norte will become the stage for a unique astronomical spectacle: a total solar eclipse not seen in the Iberian Peninsula since 1905. The Community of Madrid has prepared a comprehensive plan for citizens to enjoy it safely.
52 observation points spread across the region
The regional government has set up 52 observation points in various municipalities, mainly in the northern and eastern areas, where the eclipse will be seen in its entirety. These points will have monitors and experts to guide attendees, as well as provide educational material.
To ensure safe viewing, 36,500 approved glasses with special filters will be distributed, in addition to the 20,000 already handed out at the Madrid es Ciencia Fair and educational centres. Each pair of glasses includes a QR code with useful information about the phenomenon.
The eclipse will begin at 19:30 hours and reach its peak around 20:32, coinciding with sunset. The duration and visibility conditions make the Sierra Norte a privileged location, as highlighted by the Minister of Presidency, Justice and Local Administration, Miguel Ángel García Martín.
Eclipse Festival in Buitrago del Lozoya
The epicentre of the celebration will be the Recreational Area of the Riosequillo Pools in Buitrago del Lozoya, where the Eclipse Festival will take place. The event, sponsored by the Pueblos con Vida programme, will offer educational, scientific, and cultural activities for the whole family.
There will be food trucks, live music, children's games, and workshops throughout the day. Access is free but requires prior registration through the Buitrago City Council's website, starting tomorrow at 10:00 hours. The maximum capacity is 3,000 people.
Additionally, the exhibition Trio of Eclipses, provided by the Ministry of Education, Science and Universities, which was previously displayed at the Science Fair, will be available for viewing. The exhibition includes informative panels about the historical and scientific significance of these phenomena.
Security and fire prevention measures
The Madrid 112 Security Agency (ASEM 112) has activated the Territorial Civil Protection Plan (PLATERCAM) in operational situation 0 to ensure the safety of attendees. Resources from 112 and the Fire Brigade have been reinforced, and communication tests have been conducted at the observation points.
Given the high risk of fires due to elevated temperatures, the regional government urges citizens to take precautions: not to throw cigarette butts, respect flora and fauna, and collect waste, especially glass and cans. Citizen collaboration is key to preventing tragedies.
The Volunteer Civil Protection Groups will also participate in the operation, helping to control access and inform the public.
Reinforcement of public transport to the Sierra Norte
The Regional Transport Consortium (CRTM) has announced an increase in bus lines connecting the capital with the observation areas. The lines 191 (Madrid-Buitrago del Lozoya) and 193 (Madrid-Pedrezuela-Venturada), departing from the Plaza de Castilla Interchange, will increase their frequencies.
The lines 725 (Madrid-Miraflores), 726 (Madrid-Guadalix-Navalafuente), and 691 (Madrid-Valdesquí/Navacerrada) will also be reinforced. Staff will be present at the interchanges to provide information about routes and schedules to facilitate travel.
Citizens will be able to check the status of public transport in real-time through the CRTM apps, allowing for adjustments in supply and demand based on attendance.
For more information on the complete programme and observation points, a specific institutional portal has been set up: www.comunidad.madrid/trio-eclipses-2026-2027-2028. There, informational brochures can be downloaded and the location map can be consulted.
This eclipse is the first in an exceptional series that will continue with another total eclipse in August 2027 and an annular eclipse in January 2028. Madrid thus becomes the epicentre of a phenomenon that will not be repeated for decades, promising to leave everyone in awe.
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