Although the fast pace of the world means that events that were historic a year ago are forgotten 365 days later, buried by more recent ones, there are those who are very much aware that only a few days remain until the first anniversary of the massive blackout that plunged the country into darkness on April 28, 2025, and, interestingly, an initiative has emerged in Madrid to mark the occasion.
It is a free offline picnic in El Retiro Park organized by The Offline Club—which plans events to “bring people together without their devices to help them find a real connection with others and with themselves”— next Saturday, May 2, at 12 p.m.
The event aims to bring together hundreds of people in the Madrid park to spend some time reading, painting, knitting, or drawing together, with no screens in sight—a scene that was repeated in green spaces and streets throughout Spain during daylight hours on the day of the blackout.
“Although the uncertainty caused stress, many people took to the streets, danced, talked to strangers, or read in the parks. For a few hours, the city regained a slower, more human pace, ”say representatives from The Offline Club.
How do you sign up for the offline picnic?
Attendance at the event is free, but you must reserve a spot in advance via this link. Once you’ve done so, attendees will be sent the exact location of the gathering, for which they are encouraged to bring a book, their favorite analog pastime, and of course a picnic blanket, something to drink, and some snacks.
Madrid will not be the only city hosting an event of this kind: similar events will be held simultaneously in Barcelona, Valencia, and Lisbon.