Reus City Council will create a single large observation area around Parc de la Festa for the total solar eclipse on 12 August, bringing toilets, food trucks, family activities and science outreach into one site. Residents and visitors planning to watch the event will be asked to follow municipal safety and traffic instructions, with high attendance expected.

The city is one of 20 municipalities identified by the Generalitat, Catalonia's government, as recommended places from which to observe the eclipse, according to the Reus City Council eclipse information page.

Single site planned for visitors and families

The Parc de la Festa area will be Reus's only designated large viewing point. The council said concentrating facilities and activities there is intended to provide a common location for people following the eclipse.

  • Public toilets will be available at the observation area.
  • Food trucks are planned for the site.
  • Family-focused activities and public science sessions will form part of the programme.

The council has asked those attending to follow directions from its mobility and safety arrangements. It also recommends a staggered departure after the phenomenon ends, to prevent congestion at access points.

Talks and school sessions form part of programme

Reus's wider educational and cultural programme is being developed with Universitat Rovira i Virgili, astronomy specialists, science communicators and professionals connected with space research and exploration. It is supported by the Diputació de Tarragona, the provincial council, and the Generalitat.

The programme includes public lecture days led by URV researchers and astrophysicists on 10 and 17 June, as well as exhibitions, film screenings, astronomical photography workshops, family activities and sessions in local schools.

Pep Aguadé, a photographer, naturalist and environmental educator, has given talks titled When the Sun Hides: the Secret of Eclipses at La Vitxeta and Col·legi Sant Josep. Attendees can check the council's official Reus eclipse page for the observation-site information and programme details.

Primary sources: REUS.CAT. Reported by Source Text Link, Jan Magarolas, Marta Gutiérrez, diarimes.com, lavanguardia.com.