On Thursday, the Balearic Government’s ministry of the presidency convened a meeting that will lead to the creation of a committee to coordinate actions related to the total eclipse of the sun on August 12 next year. Representatives on this committee will include the town halls’ federation, the island councils, the government directorates for emergencies and research, scientific and astronomical groups and the state security forces. Until now, there have only been unilateral meetings.
The biggest concern has to do with the sheer number of people who may descend on Mallorca and especially on what they will mean for traffic. A few days ago, the president of the Newton Astronomical Club in Mallorca, Pep Marcús, said the island will be the centre of interest for the astronomical world on August 12 and for some days before the eclipse. Mallorca will offer one of the best locations on the planet for observing the eclipse. “It will attract hundreds of thousands of people, bang in the middle of summer.”
He added that the Tramuntana Mountains will be a prime spot. Road infrastructure in the mountains struggles as it is with visitor numbers. In August 2026 these numbers will be that much greater. Just one particular complication is provided by Formentor, where the road to the cape and lighthouse will be closed because of annual traffic restrictions. The eclipse will occur at 8.30pm; the restrictions aren’t normally lifted until 10.30pm.
The minister for the presidency, Antònia Estarellas, says: “An action plan will have to be developed to prevent traffic gridlock in Mallorca, as well as on the other islands, at a time of peak tourism activity. We are concerned about the Tramuntana because of the massive influx of people. This is an area of ​​the island that is not particularly easy to get around.
“Avoiding gridlock will be a real challenge. It will be necessary to determine from which points on the island the eclipse will be visible and therefore inform the public that it is not strictly necessary to go to the mountains.” A further worry is that the increased numbers of visitors will be at the height of the wildfire season.