On April 28, 2025, at approximately 12:32 PM, Spain experienced a massive power outage that plunged much of the country into darkness, affecting telecommunications and transportation systems. The blackout, which reportedly extended to parts of Europe, left millions of people without power and caused widespread chaos, as communication via mobile phones became impossible.
The situation was particularly dire in major urban centers like Madrid, where many found themselves trapped in public transport. Helen Lindes, a model who was in the Salamanca neighborhood at the time, described the experience as overwhelming. "The blackout caught me on Calle Serrano, and it was shocking to see Madrid completely paralyzed. Suddenly, traffic lights stopped working, and everyone flooded the streets. I tried calling my husband to see if it was just me or if it was happening at home too, but communication was impossible on both ends. I took almost five hours to get home, a journey that usually takes just 25 minutes. My mind was racing with thoughts of my children. What a feeling of helplessness!" she recounted.
As the outage continued, public transportation came to a standstill. Eva González reported that as late as 5:30 AM on April 29, train services in Seville were still suspended, with police indicating that many trains were immobilized in various locations. "At this hour, many people have spent the night here. The trains remain suspended, and until they are cleared, we cannot resume service," she stated, highlighting the uncertainty faced by commuters.
In the midst of this unprecedented event, various celebrities took to social media to share their experiences. Anabel Pantoja, who was fortunate to be in the Canary Islands where the power remained intact, expressed her concern for her family. "My mother called me, and I don’t know how she managed to, but she was super scared. She was watching the news and was in shock about how the world seemed to stop. It’s incredible how a country can be paralyzed by a power outage. I’ll definitely be buying a camping gas for future emergencies," she said.
Nerea Garmendia, a new mother, found a creative solution to the lack of electricity by hosting an impromptu barbecue on her terrace. "At a good blackout, lights all around! We’re going to have a barbecue because it’s the only hot food we can eat," she joked. Interestingly, the lights returned just as they were about to eat, prompting applause from neighbors.
Jessica Bueno also shared her experience, revealing that she spent the afternoon playing Clue with her children. "I have to admit I was quite scared, but I relaxed with them. Thankfully, it all turned out to be just a scare. I couldn’t communicate with my parents, and I hope the signal returns soon," she said.
In contrast, María José Campanario faced a more challenging ordeal, as she was trapped on an AVE train for 11 hours. "A day to forget. I want to thank all the train workers who did their best to keep us comfortable despite the circumstances. They constantly checked on us to see how we were doing and if we needed anything. They were amazing," she commented.
Meanwhile, Carme Chaparro, who was bedridden due to illness, relied on her old transistor radio to stay informed. "The blackout caught me in bed, and I remembered the 23F. I dug this transistor out of a drawer, and I swear it hadn’t been turned on in over ten years. The batteries still worked! It was my companion throughout the day, between my naps. I hope everyone is well," she shared.
Hiba Abouk reflected on the situation, drawing comparisons to places like Gaza that experience such disruptions regularly. "What we’ve lived today in Spain has been intense. And to think that people in Gaza and other places go through this day in and day out... I feel fortunate to be safe at home, sleeping with my child, which is what truly matters," she remarked.
As the day unfolded, many realized the importance of having basic tools from previous eras, with radios becoming a vital source of information. Sara Carbonero, who also used her radio, shared images of her children reading books, emphasizing the need to disconnect from screens during such times. "Back to basics," she noted, highlighting how the blackout forced families to engage in activities that didn’t require electricity.
Tomás Páramo, an influencer, posted photos of candles and his radio, emphasizing the fragility of modern life. "It makes you think about what we experienced today. A total dependence on electricity that shows we are nothing without it. Beyond the incidents caused by the blackout, there was something good: we looked up from our screens and reconnected with each other’s gazes. Many things to ponder... and unfortunately, it often takes situations like this for us to realize how we live," he said.
As the situation slowly returned to normal, many expressed gratitude for the resilience shown during the crisis. The blackout, while chaotic, served as a reminder of the importance of community, communication, and the simple pleasures of life without technology. It’s a day that will not be forgotten easily, as it highlighted both the vulnerabilities and the strengths of society.
