The FOMO (fear of missing out or fear of missing out) is driving the already enormous anticipation to see the total solar eclipse the day after tomorrow, the first one that can be enjoyed in Spain in a century. Although it was predictable that it would happen, it worries the authorities and public managers because it could favor collapses, last-minute displacements, and uncivil attitudes. Many of those who have criticized so much attention to the astronomical phenomenon are now trying, two days before the eclipse, to have a good plan to experience it.
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“We are surprised, despite having explained through all our channels that all places are sold out, there is a part of customers who have been calling or writing to us for a month and a half asking for a place. We could have put more than 5,000 people at sea to see the eclipse.” Jordi Rom, manager of Nàutic Parc Costa Daurada i Terres Ebre, explains. About 800 lucky ones who did act with foresight, at the beginning of 2026, will follow it from the sea on the Costa Daurada and near the Ebro delta on catamaran outings or on rented boats with a skipper.
Requests come from all over the world to be able to follow the phenomenon in some of the more or less exclusive experiences organized in the totality areas of Catalonia, including the Ponent regions (Lleida). “From all over Europe and the United States, what is happening is very intense,” adds Rom.
The grand finale: a meteor shower
An exceptional meteor shower will serve on Wednesday as the grand finale of the historic total solar eclipse visible from many places in Spain. The popular Perseids, also known as the tears of Saint Lawrence because their peak activity coincides with the nights before and after that festivity, are actually tiny particles from comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle that, when colliding abruptly with the Earth’s atmosphere, disintegrate and cause a luminous trail resembling a shooting star and perfectly visible from Earth. It occurs every year around August 12, when between 50 and 100 meteors per hour can be visible, according to NASA data, which has pointed out that this event usually becomes the best meteor shower because it coincides in the northern hemisphere with summer and the night skies tend to be clearer.
Aleix Roig, an accredited guide (Starlight Foundation) of the Parc Astrònomic Muntanyes de Prades, one of the most privileged places for observation, has been warning for two years or more about the importance of booking in advance and acting with foresight to enjoy a “unique show.” “They already told us that in the U.S., in 2017 and 2024, almost nothing was said about the eclipse and two or three days before the demand skyrocketed exponentially. We were waiting for the FOMO and it has arrived,” Roig confirms.
At the Parc Astronòmic Muntanyes de Prades, those who acted with the most foresight are international astronomy enthusiasts, with groups from Brazil, the United States, or Japan who booked more than a year ago. Many have chosen the most exclusive proposal: a two Michelin-star dinner with a small group, amid vineyards, at 1,000 meters altitude, with a guide and live music.
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In a total solar eclipse that has bypassed Barcelona or Madrid, where it can only be seen partially, Iberia has prepared a flight that will depart from Adolfo Suárez-Barajas airport to observe it from the air, although it is not a commercial flight. Óscar Martín Mesonero, an eclipse chaser from Salamanca, has seen one of his 22 accredited total solar eclipses from a chartered plane along with other enthusiasts. “We chased the eclipse and saw it perfectly, it was an incredible experience. Everyone should see at least once in their life an eclipse from the ground and another from a plane.”
In a society that moves at the beat of FOMO , the fear of missing a unique experience will favor in these last two days the appearance of supposed exclusive experiences at skyrocketing prices. Beware of scams. Terraces and balconies are rented at exorbitant prices.
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Hotels and campsites regret the date. Full occupancy was already guaranteed. Some establishments raised prices in anticipation that demand would skyrocket, as has happened. “At this time of year every year, occupancy is very high; yes, we will be able to offer a unique experience,” highlights Berta Cabré, president of the Hospitality and Tourism Business Federation of the province of Tarragona.
Countless events have been organized, only for clients. At the l’Estanyet campsite, in Les Cases d’Alcanar (Montsià), they will take advantage of their privileged location to set up a guided kayak outing: 25 clients, the most foresighted, will see it from the sea.
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