On August 12, during the Patron Saint Festivities, San Lorenzo de El Escorial will experience a total solar eclipse. The Town Hall has organised activities and will distribute special glasses.
On August 12, San Lorenzo de El Escorial will be one of the privileged observation points for the total solar eclipse, a phenomenon not seen from the Iberian Peninsula since 1905. The event coincides with the Patron Saint Festivities, so the Town Hall has prepared a special programme for residents and visitors.
On August 11 and 12, an information booth will be set up at the Glorieta de Juan de Selgas, in front of the Casita del Infante, open from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 18:00 to 20:30. Certified glasses for safe observation, brochures will be distributed, and there will be a themed photocall and informative panels.
The programme kicks off on Tuesday, August 11, with the children's workshop “Build Your Solar System” at the Youth Centre at 18:00, with prior registration by calling 91 890 53 13. At the same time, in the same space, the conference “Basic Concepts of the Eclipse, Safety, and Historical Eclipses in Spain” will take place, free entry until capacity is reached.
Family Activities and for the Little Ones
On Wednesday, August 12, the day of the eclipse, children can participate in an astronomical face painting session at the Juan de Selgas booth, from 18:00 to 20:00. Additionally, during both days, the family gymkhana “Eclipse Explorers” will be available, with brochures that can be collected at the Tourist Office or the information booth.
Safety is key: looking at the sun without protection can damage the retina. Only glasses that meet the EN ISO 12312-2:2015 standard, telescopes or cameras with certified filters, or following official broadcasts should be used. Normal sunglasses, X-rays, or homemade filters are never suitable.
The eclipse will begin with the partial phase at 19:30, totality will occur at 20:32, and the sun will set at 21:17. In the Community of Madrid, a darkening of up to 70% will be observed, and the total phase will last between 30 and 90 seconds.
The Town Hall recommends arriving early at the observation points, bringing certified glasses, and enjoying the phenomenon with family, taking advantage of the scheduled activities to learn and observe safely.
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