A Year Since the Blackout That Lit Up Radios and Discussions in Dénia

A year ago, a twelve-hour power outage paralyzed the Marina Alta, but also fostered the recovery of social customs and stargazing.

Generic image of a star-filled night sky over a Mediterranean city with distant blue emergency lights.
IA

Generic image of a star-filled night sky over a Mediterranean city with distant blue emergency lights.

A year ago, a major power outage left Marina Alta without electricity for twelve hours, causing uncertainty but also moments of social recovery and connection with the past.

On April 28 a year ago, Marina Alta experienced a twelve-hour power outage, leading to widespread collapse, uncertainty, and economic losses. This event, which paralyzed the region, has been the subject of numerous debates and analyses since then.
However, that day also had positive aspects. Radio regained its prominence, thanks to batteries still available in stores. For a few hours, especially in the evening, discussions and gatherings resumed in squares and streets, such as in Els Quatre Cantons in Dénia, and children massively went outdoors, with nothing to do at home. These images evoked a nearly forgotten past, before the era of the internet and mobile telephony.
One of the most striking moments came at nightfall, when the absolute silence and darkness, broken only by the blue lights of police vehicles, allowed for a starry sky to be seen as it hadn't been in decades. The situation also highlighted the value of cash, which proved essential at a time when electronic payments were impossible.
Since that day, the causes of the blackout and corporate responsibilities remain largely unresolved. The only significant change has been a 20% increase in electricity bills compared to the previous year, a rise influenced by global factors. Although a repeat event of this magnitude is considered unlikely, the experience has provided a lesson in preparedness and adaptability.