Residents across Barcelona and Catalonia will find most major supermarkets closed on Wednesday, 1 May, as the region observes Labour Day, a national public holiday. This closure affects popular chains such as Mercadona, Carrefour, Lidl, Consum, and Alcampo, prompting shoppers to plan their grocery runs accordingly.
Mercadona, a leading supermarket chain in Spain, typically closes on Sundays and public holidays to allow staff rest. The 1 May holiday will be no different, with most of its stores in Barcelona and Catalonia remaining shut. Carrefour, another highly frequented food retailer in Catalonia, will also keep its doors closed. Lidl supermarkets across Barcelona and the wider Catalan region will similarly not open for business on Labour Day.
Major Chains Observe Holiday Closures
Consum, a Valencian cooperative and a busy food store, expects to close most of its locations on 1 May. Alcampo also confirmed that the majority of its stores and hypermarkets will not operate during the public holiday. These widespread closures mean that many residents will need to complete their shopping before Wednesday.
Labour Day, or Día del Trabajador, is a national holiday observed throughout Spain. Article 37.2 of the Workers' Statute states that paid, non-recoverable public holidays cannot exceed 14 days per year, with two of these being local. National holidays include New Year's Day, Good Friday, 1 May, 15 August, 12 October, 1 November, Constitution Day (6 December), Immaculate Conception Day (8 December), and Christmas Day (25 December).
Check Local Store Hours for Exceptions
While most large chains will close, the opening status of some supermarkets can vary by location and company policy. Dia supermarkets often close, particularly in less populated areas. The chain advises customers to check specific opening hours on its official website for their nearest establishment.
Caprabo, another food distribution chain, noted that holiday opening hours in Catalonia can differ based on the type of holiday and the specific town. A representative from Caprabo stated, "In Catalonia, public holidays can vary depending on the type of holiday and the locality. Therefore, some Caprabo stores remain open on public holidays with special hours to meet your needs, while others may be closed." The company recommends checking the specific opening hours for each supermarket to avoid unnecessary journeys. Residents should consult individual supermarket websites or apps for the most accurate information before heading out on 1 May.
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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
