La Massana Hosts Eclipse Festival for Rare Solar Event in Andorra

La Massana parish has scheduled its Eclipse Festival for 13 August to coincide with a partial solar eclipse visible across Andorra, along with peak Perseid meteor shower activity. The event at Port de Cabús, above 2,000 metres, forms part of the parish's Starlight astrotourism initiative and combines guided astronomy, live music and food options.

Organised by the Comú de La Massana, the festival runs from 6pm to 11pm, with shuttle buses operating until midnight. Guided eclipse viewing is set for roughly 8pm to 8:30pm, when the sun's disc will be obscured by 98.7% to 98.9% from Andorran vantage points. Astronomy guide Jordi Colell stressed the risks in all phases, noting that initial and final stages mirror those of total eclipses. "The central phase here leaves just a 2% uncovered strip, so filters remain essential," he said. Certified glasses are provided in welcome packs.

Tourism councillor Mònica Solé said the event was conceived to capitalise on the phenomenon. "We had to organise something around it, blending guided observation with a festive side including live music and gastronomy." She underscored using homologated eyewear throughout to protect eyesight.

The evening opens with ambient music, a bar and food truck from 6pm. A covers band performs after the eclipse, leading into Colell's guided Perseid viewing—locally called the Tears of Saint Lawrence—with astrophotography sessions by the Northern Valleys Photographic Association. Prime activity continues over following nights.

Registration via the Visit La Massana website costs €5 for a welcome pack with eclipse-themed bag, glasses, souvenirs and minibus transport from Coll de la Botella. The Port de Cabús road will close to vehicles; walking or cycling is also possible. An optional wine tasting adds €25. Rain would move activities to Arinsal's sociocultural centre, according to tourism official Emma Jiménez.

Colell described the sight as exceptional, with no recurrence of similar conditions in Andorra for over a century. The next notable eclipse arrives in 2028, visible from North Africa. Spots are limited to 150 amid strong family interest.