For days, the question on everyone's lips in Lerma, a picturesque town south of Burgos in northern Spain, has been: "Will Elon Musk come?" The arrival of SpaceX has transformed this community of just over 2,500 residents, where locals, hospitality workers and tourists alike are gazing at the Parador, trying to decipher what is happening behind its closed doors. The aerospace company, founded by Musk in 2002, booked the historic hotel a year and a half ago to witness the total solar eclipse from its privileged vantage point this Wednesday.
Musk ultimately did not show up, but the SpaceX effect is already palpable across the town. Hotels are fully booked, dozens of coaches have arrived, and visitors from various countries have shattered Lerma's usual calm, sparking a level of excitement rarely seen in this corner of Castilla y León.
A celestial event draws global attention
The cause of all this commotion is a total solar eclipse that will plunge parts of Spain into darkness for nearly two minutes—an exceptional event not witnessed on the Iberian Peninsula for more than a century. The path of totality crosses several Spanish provinces, and Lerma sits right in it, offering clear skies and minimal light pollution, making it an ideal observation point.
SpaceX secured the Parador de Lerma 18 months in advance to guarantee a prime spot for its team. The hotel, a 17th-century ducal palace where Napoleon once spent the night, has closed its doors to the public in recent days to host a "private event." Inside, 140 American specialists are staying, including two professors from the University of Berkeley.
Musk's absence doesn't dampen the buzz
The possibility of Musk appearing in person spread like wildfire across media and social networks in recent days. The hype grew, fueled by reports suggesting the billionaire might travel to Lerma to witness the eclipse. However, Spanish radio station COPE has confirmed that Musk is not in town. The guests at the Parador are technicians and eclipse enthusiasts, with no celebrities among them, according to the station.
His absence, though, has not stopped the entrepreneur's name from being on everyone's lips. The mere presence of SpaceX has been enough to put this small town in the province of Burgos at the centre of attention for a few days. As one local shopkeeper put it, "We may not have Elon, but we have the eclipse—and that's already a lot."
Economic ripple effects beyond Lerma
The denial, however, has not slowed the economic impact. Accommodation in the area has filled up with visitors drawn by the eclipse, while numerous towns along the path of totality are experiencing an exceptional influx. The phenomenon goes far beyond a mere anecdote. Destinations located in the path of totality, many of them small rural municipalities, are seeing a surge in tourism that could have lasting benefits.
This is not the first time a celestial event has boosted local economies. Similar effects have been observed during previous eclipses in other parts of the world. For Lerma, the influx of visitors—many of them eclipse chasers who travel the globe to witness such phenomena—offers a unique opportunity to showcase its heritage, from the ducal palace to the Plaza Mayor, one of Spain's finest examples of Castilian urbanism.
The revival of a nearby Burgos hamlet for NASA's eclipse broadcast underscores the region's growing appeal for astronomical tourism. Meanwhile, the cultural significance of eclipses has been explored in books, films, and songs, adding a layer of fascination to the event.
For those who missed the chance to book a room in Lerma, the first-night effect might be a concern, but the town's hospitality is ready to welcome visitors with open arms. As the eclipse passes, the spotlight on Lerma may fade, but the memories—and the economic boost—will linger.
