On January 5 and 6, 2025, the excitement of the Epiphany, known as Reyes, fills Spanish households with joy as families prepare to receive the Three Kings. While this festivity marks the culmination of the Christmas season, many are left with last-minute shopping to arrange for traditional meals and the beloved Roscón de Reyes. Supermarket shopping complicates matters as many chains announce varying hours for these special days.
Mercadona, one of Spain's largest supermarket chains led by president Juan Roig, has confirmed its stores will be closed both on January 5, the eve of Reyes, and on the national holiday itself, January 6. This policy remains consistent with the company's longstanding practice of closing on Sundays and holidays to promote work-life balance for employees. Customers are encouraged to plan their shopping, as the stores will re-open on January 7, resuming normal hours from 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
According to company sources, Mercadona has improved the quality of its Roscón de Reyes this year, ensuring a fluffier texture and delightful flavor. "The key is to follow the same traditional pastry-making process: prepare the dough, let it rest, hand-shape it, and decorate it with candied fruit, sliced almonds, and sugar," explained Rocío Castro, Mercadona's roscón specialist.
On January 5, as many Spaniards find themselves unprepared, several other supermarket chains offer modified hours to accommodate festive shopping. Lidl stores will be open on January 5 but will have reduced hours, closing at 7:00 PM. Unlike Mercadona, Lidl throughout Spain will close all its locations on January 6.
Aldi also follows suit with expanded but varied opening hours on January 5, whilst closing on the actual day of Reyes. Similar to Aldi, Dia supermarkets will operate with limited hours on January 5, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and will remain closed on January 6, urging customers to verify timings through their respective store locators.
Carrefour offers more flexibility with many of its stores operating as usual on January 5, from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM, but will be closed on January 6, including the smaller Carrefour Express shops. Alcampo, known for its customer favorability, will also be closed for Reyes, yet some locations may open on limited hours.
The diversity of market operations across various regions means shoppers must remain vigilant. For example, the Carrefour Market on Tudescos Street in Madrid remains open until 11:00 PM on January 5. Conversely, the Alcampo store at Tomás Borrás 12 will only be open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on January 5, offering limited hours and closures on each of the festival days.
Shoppers eager to purchase the famous Roscón have multiple options, but it is necessary to stay updated on each supermarket’s respective hours. Supermarkets like El Corte Inglés and Ahorramas will close altogether on January 6, though some might open earlier on January 5.
Meanwhile, only select Dia stores will open on January 5, and the same goes for Ahorramas, whose locations also tend to provide limited hours. For those out and about on January 5, consulting each chain’s store locator is key to avoid empty-handedness.
Supermarkets play an integral role during the Reyes festivities, whether providing ingredients for traditional dishes or adding to the holiday spirit with special offers and new products. This year, consumers have the added choice of whether to purchase traditional plain Roscoón or take advantage of new flavors, including cream and chocolate-filled options, from various supermarket chains.
The anticipation for January 6 resonates throughout local communities, transforming supermarkets and bakeries alike as they cater to the festive hustle and bustle. Enhanced competition among chains serves the public's need for convenience and accessibility during this beloved holiday period.
Whether it's the allure of beautiful displays of Roscón de Reyes or the excitement of decorating and preparing gifts, the season remains integral to Spanish culture. It's this commitment to maintaining tradition alongside adapting to modern consumer needs, such as timed hours, which continues to shape the experience for both suppliers and customers.
With many families holding celebratory dinners and giving gifts to children, preparation remains key to enjoying the festivities without surprises. So, this Reyes, be sure to know the supermarket hours to gather delightful Roscón and ingredients and make the holiday special.