An island-wide blackout left all 1.4 million Puerto Ricans in the dark on April 16, prompting Governor Jenniffer González to investigate while citizens ponder how many candles fit in a mega mall.

The blackout, triggered by a disturbance in the transmission system shortly after noon, not only plunged the island into darkness but also disrupted water supply for 78,000 customers and forced businesses—including the Caribbean's largest mall—to shut down, raising concerns over the estimated $230 million daily economic losses. As officials scramble to restore power within 48 to 72 hours while Governor González vows to get to the bottom of this illuminative incident, frustrated citizens are left wondering if lighting up their lives requires more than just candles.

Despite the island’s renowned beaches and vibrant fiestas, April 16, 2025, became a day defined by shadows. The blackout began at approximately 12:38 p.m. Eastern Time, effectively turning Puerto Rico into a giant, very dark petri dish of frustration and candle-saving strategies. While residents tried to assess their snack inventories in the absence of refrigeration, local businesses were left clumsily rearranging their hours of operations, as customers were forced to flee the darkness of the mall, their retail souls crushed in the process.

Power restoration, which experts anticipate could wick back to 90% within 48 to 72 hours, holds the faint twinkle of hope in an otherwise dire landscape. Hospitals across the island, however, are feeling the pressure more acutely, relying on generators to keep their lights on and patients monitored. This reliance on backup power, much like a safety net made of spaghetti, does not inspire confidence when considering the importance of electronic medical equipment for vulnerable populations, including the elderly.

Puerto Rico has a history straight out of it being the Earth’s favorite reality show with dramatic twists, particularly since Hurricane Maria in 2017. This latest blackout unwittingly conjures memories of the last major outage, which coincidentally occurred on New Year’s Eve 2024. While some celebrated the arrival of a new year in complete darkness, Puerto Ricans now face a blackout that interrupts festive Easter traditions. As concerns about unreliable energy sources prompt calls for the cancellation of contracts with Luma Energy, many are left pondering whether a solar-powered Easter egg hunt might be a worthwhile investment.

As traffic in San Juan grinds to a halt, police have been deployed to direct the substantially confused drivers caught in the dim asphalt abyss. Cars are barely moving, as the stoplights forgot their function, leading to a performance art piece that is half a parade, half a panic attack. San Juan’s streets may resemble a post-apocalyptic setting, but not all hope is lost—at least it’s providing a strong excuse for those avoiding involuntary social gatherings.

While the Governor has pledged to investigate, there's a strange irony in asking, "Where’s the power?" as hundreds of thousands lean on their candles for warmth—symbolic of the broader energy crisis facing this lush, sunny island. As the threat of deepening darkness lingers, many citizens might joke that perhaps it's time to reevaluate their tendency towards nightlight overkill, resulting in fewer figuratively dim evenings.

Even amidst a blackout, Puerto Ricans continue to demonstrate resilience turned into art, adapting to lightless living by finding creative ways to keep the spirit charged. Whether through garage gatherings or flashlight games of charades, the charm of communal solidarity remains, proving once again that while the island may be in the dark, it’s certainly not out of options. In such moments of blackout chaos, perhaps candlelight illuminates more than just the way—it sparks camaraderie, laughter, and an unrivaled creativity that no power grid can fully contain.