Millions crowd cities to see Spain's first total solar eclipse in over a century

By

The Associated Press

A solar eclipse is seen over a Virgin Maria church in Vidigulfo, near Pavia, northern Italy, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Antonio Calanni/AP hide caption

MEDINACELI, Spain — Millions of people crowded cloudless cities and towns in Spain on Wednesday in search of the best views of a total solar eclipse, when the alignment of the sun, moon and Earth briefly plunged parts of the planet into darkness.

The crowds brought lawn chairs and umbrellas as they eagerly awaited the celestial spectacle, which began early in the evening. As the sky darkened, gradually at first and then quickly, people broke into applause and cheered. It was the country's first total solar eclipse in more than a century.