As the May bank holiday approaches, shoppers across Spain are faced with the familiar question: will the supermarkets be open? With many people planning to travel, rest, or catch up with family during the long weekend, the need to stock up on essentials remains a priority. On 1 May, a national holiday marking Labour Day, most shops and businesses will close for the day. However, in the Community of Madrid, the bank holiday extends into 2 May, celebrated as Madrid Day.
Many shoppers across Spain found near-empty shelves ahead of the May bank holiday as supermarkets adjusted their opening hours for 1 and 2 May. If you’re planning to head out for groceries, here’s a look at which supermarkets will be open, which ones won’t, and what kind of hours you can expect across Spain during this bank holiday.
Starting with Mercadona, Spain’s largest supermarket chain, it will remain closed on 1 May, adhering to its policy of closing on national public holidays and Sundays. However, in tourist-heavy areas, some stores might open with limited hours, so it’s advisable to check your local branch in advance.
Carrefour, on the other hand, offers a more flexible approach. Opening hours vary depending on the type of store; larger hypermarkets may close or operate for shorter hours, while Carrefour Express locations, particularly those in city centers or attached to petrol stations, are more likely to remain open even on public holidays.
For those headed to Lidl, the good news is that many stores will open on 1 May, albeit with shorter trading hours, typically between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. As always, exact opening times will vary by location, so checking the store finder or app before heading out is wise.
Alcampo, however, is expected to be mostly closed on 1 May, with a few possible exceptions in shopping centers or tourist zones. Generally, it’s best not to count on Alcampo being open unless you’ve verified specifically.
Día supermarkets plan to keep many of their stores open on 1 May, with shorter hours expected, most likely from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Depending on where you live, some branches may close completely, so confirming online is a good idea.
For those in Madrid, the 2 May regional holiday adds another layer of complexity. Not all supermarkets will treat this as a regular working day, and many may apply reduced schedules or remain closed. Again, it depends on the chain, the branch, and its location. To avoid a wasted trip during the May bridge weekend, the safest option is to check your local store’s hours on the supermarket’s official website or app before heading out.
As supermarkets across Spain prepare for the May bank holiday, the adjustments in opening hours reflect both the cultural significance of the holiday and the practical needs of consumers. The long weekend often serves as a time for families to gather and celebrate, but it also brings the challenge of ensuring access to essential goods.
While the situation may vary from region to region, the overarching theme is one of preparation and adaptation. Shoppers are encouraged to plan ahead, particularly in light of the varying hours and closures that accompany public holidays.
As Spain gears up for the celebrations, the balance between honoring traditions and meeting the needs of everyday life remains a critical consideration for both consumers and retailers. Whether you’re planning a big family meal or simply need to pick up a few items, being aware of supermarket hours can help ensure a smoother holiday experience.
Stay tuned with Euro Weekly News for more updates and information regarding supermarkets and other essential services during the May bank holiday.
In Maharashtra, India, the significance of May 1 extends beyond the borders of Spain, as it marks Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day, celebrating the linguistic and cultural identities of these states. The roots of these celebrations lie in the post-independence efforts to reorganize states along linguistic lines, with the idea that language shapes identity and governance should reflect cultural realities.
The Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti, founded in 1956, played a pivotal role in demanding a separate state that included Bombay (now Mumbai), Vidarbha, and other Marathi-majority regions. Meanwhile, the Mahagujarat Movement, dating back to 1928, sought to unify all Gujarati-speaking areas, including parts of Saurashtra and Kutch.
Today, Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day are observed annually with cultural pride, political reflection, and community celebrations. In Maharashtra, the main event takes place at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, where the Chief Minister hoists the flag and addresses the public. In Gujarat, celebrations are held across cities, often centered around the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, featuring cultural shows and official events.
As Maharashtra and Gujarat celebrate their 65th foundation day in 2025, the spirit of their formation remains relevant. Both states have emerged as economic powerhouses and cultural torchbearers in independent India. Celebrating their origins is not just about remembering the past—it honors the resilience of communities that stood up for self-determination through dialogue, not division.
As the world acknowledges workers on May 1, Maharashtra and Gujarat remind us that history can be shaped by unity, identity, and a shared dream for self-governance. These celebrations serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of peaceful and democratic movements that have redefined Indian federalism.
In Kenya, the economic landscape is also shifting as workers face challenges amid rising costs. A Central Bank Survey conducted in October 2024 revealed that 42 percent of companies laid off casual workers while 31 percent fired contract workers in 2024. The increase in National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions since February 2025 has further strained workers' finances, with deductions for those earning Sh72,000 and above doubling to Sh4,320.
As inflation continues to rise, real annual average earnings per employee decreased by 4.1 percent in 2023 after accounting for inflation. Workers earning Sh50,000 have seen their net pay drop from Sh39,617 to Sh39,029, while those earning Sh100,000 now take home Sh71,617, which is Sh1,512 less than in January 2025.
The economic pressures have led to job cuts and reduced purchasing power, compelling many workers to adopt tougher survival tactics. As the government collects billions from increased deductions, the impact on households remains significant, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing Kenya's workforce.
As we reflect on these various celebrations and challenges across the globe, it becomes clear that the themes of identity, resilience, and economic stability resonate universally, reminding us of the interconnectedness of our experiences, whether through joyful celebrations or the struggles of modern life.
