Cosmo Guada was born in the heart of the Starlight Reserve «Guadalajara Skies», specifically in Saelices de la Sal, a small town where I have lived for more than a decade. This is the story of how I came to connect my life with the stars.
I am Lola Silva, born in Madrid and adopted by Saliceña. “Circumstances of life” brought me to this corner of Guadalajara, and here I found my home. During these years, I have looked for a way to earn a living without having to leave this town that has welcomed me. It has not been an easy road.
Saelices de la Sal is a unique place. With a population of between 25 inhabitants in winter and 200 in summer, it preserves an invaluable treasure: the Salinas de San Juan, declared a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC). Yes, salt flats in Guadalajara! My fascination with this heritage led me to explore ways to enhance it and share it with the world. And so, I discovered my second great passion: the night sky.
In March 2022, I trained as an Astronomical Monitor in Molina de Aragón, thanks to the Starlight Foundation and the support of the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha. In addition, I had the opportunity to train as an Eclipse Ambassador, preparing for the great astronomical event that we will experience in Spain: the total eclipse of 2026This training opened the doors to astrotourism, an innovative form of tourism that perfectly complements other activities.
Astrotourism, or star tourism, offers unique experiences: from a visit to a castle followed by stargazing, to daytime or nighttime routes under a blanket of stars, or even wine tastings under the starry sky. The possibilities are endless, and in Guadalajara, with its clear skies, they are even more special.
In 2022, I decided to take this path: I registered as a freelancer, bought astronomical binoculars and devoted myself to studying the firmament. Later, overcoming my fears, I invested in a telescope and began offering observation activities, guiding participants through the constellations and sharing knowledge of astronomy and mythology.
Observing the night sky is an experience that connects us with our ancestors, with all the cultures that came before us. However, light pollution and mega-constellations of satellites threaten this precious heritage.
In this project, I have had invaluable support. I am grateful for the training and financial support of the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha, as well as the collaboration of the Diputación de Guadalajara and the Fundación Starlight. I am also grateful for the support of the community of Starlight instructors and other people who have accompanied me on this entrepreneurial journey. Cosmo Guada was born from the support of a valuable network of people who have contributed to my personal and professional growth, to whom I am deeply grateful.
Finally, I would like to thank the Town Council of Saelices de la Sal for its continued support so that I can live and develop my project here. Together, the town and businesses, we will work to make our municipality and its treasures known to the world, including the unique opportunity to observe the total eclipse of 2026 from a privileged place.