Power Outage: It may be fun for some individuals, while others might find it stressful.
Last week, I called my uncle to find out why he hadn’t responded to my WhatsApp messages. It was urgent. He replied, “Sorry, Spain lost power, and we lost the internet.”
My hometown is separated from Spain by the Mediterranean Sea, and we are only a couple of hours away. I was confused and asked, “What? What happened?” I checked the news and thought, “Hmm, what’s going on in the world?”
MADRID (AP) — The cause of Spain and Portugal’s widespread blackouts remained a mystery on Tuesday, with some isolated disruption remaining after power was largely restored.
One of Europe’s most severe blackouts grounded flights, paralyzed train systems, disrupted mobile communications and shut down ATMs across the Iberian Peninsula on Monday.
By 11 a.m. on Tuesday, the Spanish electrical system was functioning normally, electricity operator Red Eléctrica said. Portuguese grid operator REN said power had been restored to all 6.4 million customers.
As life began to return to normal, authorities in Spain had yet to provide further explanation for why the nation of 49 million people lost 15 gigawatts — equivalent to 60% of its national demand — in five seconds.
While the situation was chaotic and stressful for numerous individuals, it surprisingly revealed a silver lining: people were compelled to step away from their screens and reconnect with the “real” world, engaging meaningfully with the present and fostering connections with one another.
I checked social media, and I was astonished to watch some videos of many citizens embraced their unexpected day without power. In Barcelona’s vibrant Gracia neighborhood, the central squares filled with sunbathers soaking up the beautiful Mediterranean sun, while others enjoyed reading books in the open air or engaging in spirited chess matches at makeshift tables. In the heart of Madrid, people of all ages, from curious children to elderly couples, gathered on bustling sidewalks to listen to vintage radios, which, once seen as relics of the past, transformed into essential lifelines filled with news and music. Meanwhile, in Sevilla, locals clapped and tapped their feet to the infectious rhythm of flamenco, uniting under the warm Spanish sun.
Watch these: Happy moments during blackout
In an encouraging turn of events, some neighbors conversed for the first time, breaking through the barriers of daily life that often kept them apart. At a local vehicle inspection center, employees set up a volleyball net in the parking lot, turning their break into a lively game filled with laughter and friendly competition. Similarly, staff at a non-profit foundation in Madrid’s Embajadores neighborhood creatively pulled tables onto the sidewalks, inviting passersby to participate in a fun trivia contest, while others enjoyed casual games of UNO on public benches, sparking spontaneous laughter and camaraderie.
Store owners, noticing the communal spirit, decided to give away free ice cream, leading to long lines as delighted families and friends lined up for a sweet treat. The atmosphere was filled with joy and connection, marking a temporary escape from routine.
Eventually, as power was restored, the familiar sound of notifications pinged once more.
Power outages typically in the US occur during winter, because of storms, or strong winds. However, some other countries experience outages without any clear reason. I remember last year during my visit to Algeria; I was taking a shower at night when the power suddenly went out. I felt really scared. I didn’t have my phone with me in the bathroom, and all I could think about in that dark space were ghosts—wooo! 👻
While others might be scared of a robber or a serial killer cutting the power to get the job done, I, on the other hand, tend to think and get scared of ghosts. I mean, seriously, if someone turned off the lights to kill me, I would just ask them to turn the lights back on so I could finish my shower quickly. I might even say, “Oh, I’m glad you’re a human! I thought you were a ghost! Phew!” 😂
Have you ever experienced a power outage? If so, how did you handle it?
Carolina Mom 
Great post. We need more blackouts to remind us there are stars in the night sky and the value of a face-to-face convo 😉
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True! We are all guilty at starring at the screen than interacting in person with each other.
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