The Comarca de Cinco Villas is preparing for an unprecedented astronomical event: the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. With a schedule of eight educational days, the region aims to not only prepare its inhabitants but also attract tourists interested in astronomy. This phenomenon, which will not occur again in Spain until 2053, promises to be a catalyst for astronomical tourism in the area.
Schedule of astronomical activities
The astronomical days will take place between April and June 2026, distributed across various municipalities in the comarca. Starting on April 12 in Sádaba, the activities will continue in Pinsoro, Tauste, Castejón de Valdejasa, Marracos, Bagüés, and conclude on June 20 in Uncastillo. All activities are free of charge and do not require prior registration, although spaces are limited. Participants will receive a lunar calendar and protective glasses to safely observe the eclipse.
Relevance of the total solar eclipse
The eclipse on August 12, 2026, will be the first total solar eclipse visible from the Iberian Peninsula in over a century, according to the National Geographic Institute. The Comarca de Cinco Villas is in a privileged position for observation, offering a total view of the phenomenon. This singular event has generated growing interest in the region, which is expected to attract more than two million tourists during the days of the eclipse.
Boosting sustainable astronomical tourism
Since 2024, the Comarca de Cinco Villas has promoted astronomical initiatives, taking advantage of the area’s low light pollution. A study of the quality of the night sky has highlighted the northern mountainous area as ideal for advanced observation, while the southern area is more accessible to the general public. The Bortle scale rates the northern municipalities at an average of 3, indicating skies of excellent quality for astronomical observation.
Interest in astronomical tourism has grown significantly, with a 166% increase in inquiries at the regional tourist offices. Previous activities in 2024 and 2025 sold out quickly, solidifying the region as an emerging destination for astronomical tourism. The combination of an exceptional night sky and a major astronomical event offers a unique opportunity for the Comarca de Cinco Villas to stand out as a leader in sustainable astronomical tourism.
