On April 27th, 2025 lights suddenly went dark in Spain, taking with it all cellphone signal and  internet service, essentially cutting off all communication.  Unless you asked someone with a battery powered radio no one knew it was a widespread blackout in Spain, Portugal and parts of France.  

The once bustling Gran Via was empty, kids were on the streets playing, people headed out of their homes to walk, eat, and spend time with friends and family.  It was a very strange and confusing day but as two passersby commented “at least I don’t have people bothering me with calls and WhatsApp”.