Author & photos: Leah Pattem
While the world wondered all day what we’d been up to during over 11 hours of a historic power cut, just now they’re finally getting an answer.
Some of us were stranded on trains, trapped in lifts or stuck in traffic jams — but the emergency services never failed. At Atocha station, thousands endured what might have been the worst day of their year, while others managed to find small moments of joy: catching up on journaling, entertaining their kids, making the best of an unexpected end to their holiday in Madrid. Traffic lights were out, but cars didn’t speed. Drivers slowed and pedestrians crossed in an unspoken agreement of safety.
In my barrio of Lavapiés – one of the last places in Madrid to regain power – the weight of the world lifted. It was like a summer fiesta, warm beer, notes and coins, and an even greater sense of community. Plazas turned into playgrounds for kids and adults alike. Every square I passed had a guitarist, and I spotted groups of friends gathered sketching the scenes unfolding around them. Benches overflowed, with even more people seated cross-legged on the pavements, laughing and drinking beer like it was a Saturday.
Despite having no way of organising as we couldn’t call or text, we all found each other. Just walking the streets was enough to find our friends and neighbours, gathering and listening to a stranger’s radio (first photo).
The food in my fridge has spoiled, I’ve lost a day of work, and there are many questions still unanswered about energy stability, dependency and Spain’s future. But we survived today and it was unforgettable – for some, in a good way.
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