I very much related; raised in Venezuela, we had quite a few of these...they were a few hours long - and like you, some of my fondest memories. All of us in our family (my parents and sister) -- felt exactly as you said: it forced our lives to stop and connect...and enjoy a soothing quiet that was absolutely peaceful.

There was one night in particular in which we played hide and go seek -- it was an absolute blast, it was the version 2.0 of the normal hide and go seek --exhilarating hiding in the dark!