As Spain embraces the deeply rooted traditions of Holy Week, many are preparing for the festivities surrounding Good Friday, April 18, 2025. This national holiday sees the majority of businesses, including supermarkets, adjusting their operating hours, leading to some confusion among consumers regarding where they can shop.
Mercadona, one of Spain's most recognized supermarket chains, has announced that all its stores will remain closed on Good Friday, adhering to the holiday's status across all Autonomous Communities. Founded in 1977, Mercadona has grown to operate over 1,600 stores throughout the country, establishing itself as a leader in the grocery sector thanks to its focus on quality and customer satisfaction. However, on this particular day, the chain's strict holiday policy means that customers will need to look elsewhere for their shopping needs.
While Mercadona will not open its doors today, it will return to its regular operating hours tomorrow, Saturday, April 19, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Additionally, on Monday, April 21, which is Easter Monday, Mercadona will be closed in several regions including the Balearic Islands, Cantabria, Catalonia, the Valencian Community, and the Basque Country.
In contrast, some other supermarket chains are adopting a more flexible approach to their holiday schedules. For instance, Carrefour, which typically closes on Good Friday, may have certain locations open, particularly in tourist areas, although many will remain shuttered. Customers are advised to check the store locator on Carrefour's website to confirm the status of their local supermarkets.
Lidl's operating hours also vary significantly by region. On Good Friday, many Lidl stores will remain closed, particularly in areas such as Catalonia and the Basque Country. However, in larger cities, some locations might operate under reduced hours, generally from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, especially during the Easter weekend.
The Dia supermarket chain presents a mixed bag of options for consumers today. While most Dia stores traditionally do not open on holidays, certain locations may operate on a limited schedule. Customers are encouraged to use Dia's online store locator to find out whether their nearest supermarket will be open.
Alcampo, known for its flexible holiday policies, generally opens its stores during most holidays, but specifics can vary. Some Alcampo locations may be open today, while others might be closed, making it important for shoppers to verify store hours online.
Aldi is expected to follow a similar pattern to previous years, remaining closed on Good Friday. However, some stores in tourist-heavy areas may offer limited hours in the morning.
For those seeking to shop on Good Friday, it's essential to check the opening hours of local supermarkets ahead of time. This is particularly important given the diverse regulations across Spain's autonomous regions. Many consumers are likely to take advantage of the holiday to stock up on groceries for the weekend, especially as Holy Week festivities continue.
In tourist hotspots, such as Salou and Lloret de Mar in Catalonia, Mercadona will open its doors today from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, catering to the influx of visitors. In the Valencian Community, towns including Denia, Javea, Benidorm, and Torrevieja will also see Mercadona stores operating under these reduced hours. However, in the vast majority of Spain, the chain will not open at all.
As consumers navigate the holiday shopping landscape, they are reminded that many other supermarkets, such as El Corte Inglés and Hipercor, will also have special hours today. El Corte Inglés will be open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, while some Hipercor locations will remain closed.
As the Easter weekend progresses, it is clear that understanding the varying hours of operation is crucial for consumers. With many businesses closed for the holiday, shoppers are urged to plan ahead to avoid any last-minute inconveniences.
In summary, while Mercadona will not serve customers today, various other supermarket chains offer different levels of access, reflecting the diversity of Spain's holiday shopping landscape. By checking online resources, consumers can ensure they find the best options available during this festive period.
