Around 20,000 people congregated at the main observation points in Alicante to witness a historic solar eclipse, the first in a century. The day was characterized by clouds that hindered visibility of the phenomenon, but it proceeded without significant incidents, apart from one attention for a fall on the Serra Grossa.
The City Council of Alicante deployed an operation of over 200 personnel, including Local Police, Firefighters, Civil Protection, and lifeguards, to ensure safety, manage traffic, and provide early assistance. Local Police estimated around 5,000 attendees at Tabarca Island, 4,500 at Serra Grossa, 4,000 in the vicinity of Rabasa and the University, 2,500 at Santa Bárbara Castle and Mount Benacantil, and approximately 1,500 at San Fernando Castle and Mount Tossal.
The Councilor for Security, Julio Calero, highlighted the operational normality, emphasizing the good behavior of citizens who enjoyed the phenomenon with their families, creating a festive and orderly atmosphere. The city experienced two instances of twilight within an hour, offering unique images, especially those captured by drones from the Local Police and Firefighters, which depicted the city during the total solar obscuration.
Police officers and Civil Protection volunteers guided attendees, particularly towards Santa Bárbara Castle, where queues formed for the elevator access or via the shuttle bus from the Marq. At Mount Tossal, access was on foot or by private vehicle, utilizing the parking areas near the José Rico Pérez stadium.
The most notable intervention occurred at Serra Grossa, where firefighters attended to an individual following a fall without serious consequences. The total deployment included 103 local police officers, 35 firefighters from the Speis, 14 Civil Protection volunteers, and 58 lifeguards on the beaches, who extended their hours until 10 PM.
