For the first time since 1999, mainland Europe will witness a total solar eclipse

Total Solar Eclipse in Europe

According to УНІАН — Туризм: On August 12, 2026, mainland Europe will observe its first total solar eclipse since 1999, and Spain will experience it for the first time since 1912. The total phase of the eclipse will pass through a narrow band across Europe, including the village of Avellanosa de Muñño in the province of Burgos, which is virtually uninhabited. This astronomical phenomenon will occur just before sunset, allowing viewers to enjoy two twilight periods in one evening. After nightfall, the Perseid meteor shower will also be visible.

The Village of Avellanosa de Muñño

The village of Avellanosa de Muñño has no shops or restaurants; the bar does not open, and the wine cellar does not welcome visitors. Only once a week, a white van from a nearby bakery comes to the village to deliver bread. Despite the lack of infrastructure, descendants of former villagers are returning to witness the eclipse. For instance, 89-year-old Sara Alvarez Rodriguez, who was born in the village in 1937 and has never moved away, noted:

'From there, you can see absolutely everything.' - Sara Alvarez Rodriguez

In the 1950s, about 200 people lived in the village, and there were several shops, with merchants delivering fish by bicycle. However, with the advancement of agricultural mechanization, many residents moved to larger cities like Madrid, Bilbao, and Barcelona. Raul Grande Revilla, who grew up in the village and moved to Madrid as a child, also plans to return with his family. His brother will bring even more relatives, and their presence will effectively double the village's population for that night.

It is expected that guests will come to the village from:

• The United Kingdom
• France
• Venezuela
• various regions of Spain

Hotels in the region were booked well in advance, including the Parador de Lerma hotel in the former palace of the Duke of Lerma, which was already fully booked in 2022. Alberto Bosque Coello, representative of the tourism council of Castile and León, confirmed that 'almost all accommodation has been booked very early.' Even a family from California plans to visit Spain specifically for this eclipse.

According to physicist Maria Teresa Lopez Sanchez, 'it's like experiencing two sunsets in a few minutes.' Such a phenomenon attracts the attention of not only astronomers but also tourists looking for the best conditions for observation. As this event approaches, the village of Avellanosa de Muñño becomes an important site for everyone wanting to enjoy this unique astronomical phenomenon.

The total solar eclipse in Spain is significant not only for the astronomical community but also for local tourism, as it draws attention from people all over the world. The lack of infrastructure in Avellanosa de Muñño emphasizes the uniqueness and naturalness of the event, as many people have chosen to return to their roots to witness this rare phenomenon. This event is expected to not only revive interest in the village but also support the local economy through tourist influx.