The arrival of Holy Week 2025 brings a mix of celebration and logistical challenges for shoppers in Spain, particularly regarding supermarket hours. As many prepare for the festivities, the opening times of various supermarket chains have become a hot topic of discussion. With Maundy Thursday on April 17 and Good Friday on April 18 marking significant holidays, consumers are keen to know when they can stock up on essentials.
In the Valencian Community, Maundy Thursday is not a holiday, which sets it apart from other regions in Spain. This means that many supermarkets will operate as usual on this day. However, Easter Monday, April 21, is a holiday in the Valencian Community, leading to altered schedules for several supermarket chains.
Mercadona, one of Spain's largest supermarket chains, will open on Maundy Thursday with regular hours, as it is not considered a holiday in the Valencian Community. However, the chain will close on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, following its usual policy of closing on Sundays. On Easter Monday, Mercadona will also be closed, as it is a regional holiday.
According to the company's policy, most Mercadona stores in regions where Maundy Thursday is a holiday will be closed on that day. For instance, in Madrid, the majority of Mercadona locations will remain shut on both Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, with some exceptions where select stores may operate for half a day on Maundy Thursday. These stores typically open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Carrefour supermarkets have adopted a mixed approach for Holy Week. Many of their locations in Madrid will open on Good Friday, but some may have reduced hours. The Carrefour Express stores will maintain their usual hours throughout the week, providing convenient options for shoppers.
In contrast, Alcampo will remain open on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, with many locations adhering to their standard hours. This chain typically operates from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays. However, as with other chains, it's advisable for customers to check the specific hours for their nearest store, as some locations may have different schedules.
Lidl is another supermarket chain that will have varying hours during Holy Week. Most Lidl stores will be open on Maundy Thursday during normal hours (9:00 AM to 10:00 PM), but many will close on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Customers are encouraged to verify the hours on Lidl's official website to avoid surprises.
DIA supermarkets are known for their flexibility in opening hours, including on holidays. Many DIA stores will be open on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, but with reduced hours, typically operating from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on those days. As always, it is best to check the specific operating hours for each store on their website.
Aldi has also set special hours for Holy Week. Most of their stores will be open on Maundy Thursday during regular hours, but many will close on Good Friday. Shoppers should consult Aldi's website for the specific hours of their local store.
Ahorramás supermarkets will open on Maundy Thursday, with some locations offering special hours from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. However, the majority will close on Good Friday.
As consumers prepare for the holiday, the varying schedules of these supermarket chains highlight the importance of checking ahead. While some stores will accommodate shoppers during Holy Week, others will enforce their holiday policies, leaving some without options for last-minute purchases.
In summary, the opening hours of supermarkets during Holy Week in Spain reflect a mix of regional customs and individual store policies. While some chains like Mercadona will close on key holidays, others like Carrefour and Alcampo will offer more flexible hours. As families gather for celebrations and religious observances, being aware of these changes can help avoid any last-minute rush or disappointment.
With the festivities of Holy Week upon us, it’s crucial for shoppers to plan ahead and stay informed about supermarket hours to ensure they have everything they need for their celebrations. Whether it's for family gatherings or personal reflection, having access to groceries during this time is essential for many.
