Catalonia witnesses its first total solar eclipse in 121 years

Catalonia has experienced its first total solar eclipse in 121 years.

Thousands of people watched the skies on Wednesday evening, to witness a phenomenon which will not occur again in Catalonia until 2180.

Astronomy enthusiasts, tourists and curious onlookers gathered on rooftops, fields, hillsides, beaches and other prime viewing locations in the hours before sunset.

The day was marked by anticipation and travel, particularly in western and southern Catalonia (Ponent, Terres de l'Ebre, and Camp de Tarragona), all located within the path of totality.

The sudden darkness was the moment most eagerly awaited by spectators, many of whom arrived hours earlier to secure the best spot.

Almost an hour after the eclipse started, day turned to night as the moon passed completely in front of the sun, its corona visible behind.

That was the cue to remove protective glasses, applaud, cheer, gaze in awe, and, for some, shed a tear.

Some of the largest crowds gathered at the Port of Tarragona, with capacity for 18,000 people, and at the Mangraners in Lleida, which could accommodate up to 10,000.

In Banyoles, a bank of cloud threatened to spoil the experience, but just as the eclipse began, the clouds cleared.