The ski resort of Javalambre turned into a temporary observatory this Tuesday where science, tourism, and culture came together to celebrate «The Night of the Sun,» an event designed as a prelude to the total solar eclipse that will occur on August 12, 2026, positioning the province of Teruel as one of the best places in the world to witness it.
More than 800 people participated in this event, organized by the Diputación de Teruel in collaboration with the Government of Aragon and other institutions, which combined recreational and scientific activities with culinary tastings and cultural performances. The proposal was conceived as a rehearsal for the celebrations that will be organized next year and, at the same time, as a tool to place the province on the international map of astronomy and astrotourism.
A Toast to the Sun and the Future
One of the most symbolic moments came with the countdown to «feel Teruel» at 365 days until the eclipse, followed by a toast to the sun led by Aragonese sommelier Raúl Igual, accompanied by a wine tasting. The event was attended by the president of the Diputación de Teruel, Joaquín Juste; deputies Marta Sancho and Miguel Ángel Navarro; and the Government of Aragon’s Minister of the Environment, Manuel Blasco.
Juste encouraged attendees to take advantage of the eclipse as a tourism opportunity and to discover—or rediscover—the natural, cultural, and gastronomic heritage of the province. «We want those who come to take our landscapes and flavors in their memories, and to share what they have experienced here,» he stated.
Workshops, Music, and Astronomy for All Audiences
The program included workshops on solar photography with mobile phones, painting luminous t-shirts, yoga, breathing, and meditation in the sun, as well as solar observation with specialized telescopes, including the «Sun Gun» system from CEFCA. Participants received certified glasses for safe observation and a special magazine about the eclipse.
Live music was present from the start of the afternoon, with DJ Aurodas mixing electronic sounds created from recordings captured by radio telescopes in Chile. Large screen images displayed both the activity of the telescopes and landscapes of the province.
The night brought an observation of stars and Perseids guided by the company Astroándalus, accompanied by live music from the Jaén Symphony Orchestra, under a clear sky that allowed enjoyment of the astronomical spectacle.
Promotion of Teruel and Its Products
«The Night of the Sun» also served as a showcase for local gastronomy. Regulatory councils and quality food associations offered tastings and sales of emblematic products: Teruel ham, Aragonese lamb, black truffle, Bajo Aragón oil, saffron, cheeses, and Calanda peaches.
The event attracted visitors not only from Teruel but also from Valencia, Castellón, Madrid, Catalonia, and Andalusia, interested in both astronomy and the cultural and tourism offerings of the province.
A Dress Rehearsal for 2026
Minister Manuel Blasco described the event as «a total success» for its capacity to promote the province and generate excitement ahead of the eclipse. «It is an opportunity to demonstrate everything that Teruel has to offer,» he noted.
The event was organized by the Diputación de Teruel and the company Conexión Imaginativa, with collaboration from the Gúdar-Javalambre region, the City Council of Camarena de la Sierra, Caja Rural, CEFCA, and the Aramón group.
