At noon this Monday, April 8, a crowd of eager spectators amassed in front of Los Arcos del Malecón in Puerto Vallarta, anticipating the rare spectacle of a solar eclipse. Among the gathering were both tourists and locals, all anticipating the unique experience of witnessing the celestial event.
While the expectations of witnessing darkness during the eclipse weren’t entirely fulfilled, those present shared in the extraordinary experience nonetheless. The eclipse, though partial in Puerto Vallarta, did momentarily cloud the sky when it reached its maximum phase at 12:06 p.m.
The event began at 10:47 a.m., drawing dozens of individuals to the heart of Puerto Vallarta and the Plaza de Armas esplanade, armed with certified viewing equipment to observe the moon’s gradual coverage of the sun.
For many attendees under the age of 35, this marked their first experience witnessing a solar eclipse, while for others, particularly the more seasoned individuals, it was a nostalgic reminder of previous eclipses, such as the one on July 11, 1991, or even further back to March 7, 1970.
Among those reminiscing about past eclipses was Don Manuel Záldivar, a local tuba seller, who vividly recalled the eclipse of March 1970 from his childhood in Guadalajara. His memories included observing the eclipse reflected in a tub of water, a practice he now knows is unsafe. This time, he arrived equipped with the recommended lenses for safe eclipse viewing.
As the moon obscured the sun, spectators sought optimal vantage points along the boardwalk and the open-air theater’s agora. Equipped with certified eclipse glasses, welder’s lenses, or improvised viewing devices like cardboard boxes, attendees eagerly shared the experience with one another.
Some even gathered by the sea to witness the calm waters and the moon’s influence on the tide. Excitement peaked at noon as the maximum phase approached, marked by the unexpected illumination of the Parish of Fudalupe’s clock and the disoriented flight patterns of birds, reacting to the eclipse’s effect on their biological clocks.
Despite uncertainty regarding the extent of the sun’s coverage by the moon, the brief dimming of the sky was a remarkable sight. The eclipse concluded at 1:29 p.m., leaving spectators in awe until the sun regained its midday intensity.
Municipal authorities, amidst holiday festivities and electoral campaigns, did not organize any specific activities for the eclipse but issued warnings against direct viewing. The next opportunity to witness a similar spectacle will arise on March 30, 2052, when another solar eclipse graces the skies of Mexico.
