As Holy Week approaches, shoppers in both Chile and Spain are preparing for changes in supermarket hours due to the observance of Good Friday on April 18, 2025. This significant holiday will see various adjustments across retail operations, with some stores shutting their doors entirely while others remain open but with reduced hours.
In Chile, Good Friday is not classified as a mandatory holiday, allowing businesses—including supermarkets and malls—to operate normally. However, the Labor Directorate has clarified that certain retail workers may be exempt from working if they possess a "vested right" from not having worked on previous Good Fridays. This means that employees who did not work on Good Friday in 2024 are entitled to take the day off in 2025, provided they continue with the same employer.
While there’s no obligation for stores to close, many supermarkets will adjust their hours to reflect the holiday. Major chains like Santa Isabel and Jumbo (Cencosud) will be open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM throughout the three days of Holy Week. Unimarc will also operate during the same hours, while Mayorista 10 and Alvi will be open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Tottus (Falabella) will have extended hours, opening from 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
Meanwhile, discussions in Congress regarding a bill to make Good Friday a mandatory holiday have yet to result in a change in law. Although the proposal was approved by the Labor Committee, it did not reach a vote in time, meaning that for now, supermarkets will continue to operate under their standard holiday adjustments.
In addition to supermarket hours, the Chilean government has announced the return of the "Peaje a Luca" initiative, aimed at easing transit during the long weekend. This benefit will be available on various routes across the country to support the movement of over a million people during the holiday.
Shifting focus to Spain, Good Friday is recognized as a national holiday, which leads to widespread closures among retail establishments. The holiday is classified as "non-substitutable," meaning that it cannot be altered by autonomous communities. This results in a somewhat chaotic landscape for shoppers trying to navigate which stores will be open.
In Tenerife, for instance, while many establishments will remain closed, certain commercial entities in areas of high tourist influx will have the discretion to determine their operating hours. Pharmacies, bakeries, and 24-hour stores will generally remain open, providing essential services. Some bars and cafeterias may also choose to open, depending on customer demand.
Supermarkets across Spain are also adjusting their schedules for Good Friday. Mercadona, one of the largest supermarket chains, has announced that most of its stores will close, with only a few in tourist areas opening until noon. Lidl will remain closed entirely on Good Friday, while Carrefour has opted to open its stores from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, adapting to customer needs. Supermercados DIA will close most of their locations but may operate with reduced hours in larger cities.
Alcampo, on the other hand, will maintain its regular hours during the holiday, opening from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, although shoppers are advised to check specific store hours online for potential changes.
In Alicante, the situation is similar, with the majority of supermarkets expected to remain closed on Good Friday. However, some establishments in tourist hotspots will open until 3:00 PM. Mercadona will generally close its stores on Resurrection Sunday, April 20, but will open as usual on Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday.
El Corte Inglés has announced that its centers in Alicante will remain open during key holidays of Holy Week, including Good Friday, from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Carrefour hypermarkets in the area will also adapt their schedules to accommodate holiday shopping.
As shoppers prepare for the holiday, they are reminded to check specific store hours online to avoid any last-minute surprises. With many people expected to travel or gather for family meals, the demand for essential items is likely to increase, making early shopping a wise choice.
In summary, the observance of Good Friday on April 18, 2025, will lead to varied supermarket hours across Chile and Spain. While some stores will close entirely, others will adjust their hours to accommodate the holiday, with many shoppers encouraged to plan ahead to ensure they can access the products they need.
