During Easter 2026, Spaniards will face unexpected changes to their usual shopping routines. The impact of holiday dates on supermarket hours can be felt across the country, but especially in major cities and tourist areas. For many families, this means planning ahead to restock supplies and avoid empty shelves or long lines.
The situation is complicated by the fact that public holidays differ between autonomous communities. For instance, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday may be holidays in some regions and workdays in others. This causes confusion and requires careful shopping planning. According to RUSSPAIN, the biggest surge of shoppers happens right before the holidays, particularly on Wednesday and Saturday, when stores operate on their regular schedule.
Different strategies among chains
Spain’s largest supermarket chains take different approaches. Carrefour stands out for its flexibility: in Madrid, most of its stores will be open on both Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, usually from 9:00 to 22:00. However, schedules in other regions may differ based on local regulations. Some Express-format stores or those in busy areas may stay open longer, but the company recommends checking specific hours on their website.
Mercadona, on the other hand, remains strict about closures: all stores will be closed on public holidays and Sundays, including those in tourist areas. In regions where Maundy Thursday is a holiday, shops will also be closed, with only rare exceptions. In Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands, Easter Monday also means closed doors. The best times to shop at Mercadona are Wednesdays and Saturdays, when foot traffic peaks and stock levels are highest.
Flexibility and local decisions
Lidl and Aldi take a more flexible approach, adapting to local regulations. In some cities, these chains open on public holidays, but usually only until noon or early evening. On Maundy Thursday, where allowed, Lidl and Aldi are open at least until midday. Most stores close on Good Friday, but there can be exceptions in tourist areas. On Saturday, both chains return to their normal hours, and on Sunday, only select locations open.
Dia and other franchise chains operate even less predictably. Many stores open for a few hours on holidays to meet spontaneous shopping needs, but there are no standard rules. Everything depends on the owner’s decision and local restrictions. As a result, you might find an open store in one neighborhood while the next one is closed. Checking the chain’s website for updated schedules before leaving home is essential, especially in tourist and coastal areas.
Planning and risks
Planning Easter shopping becomes a task with many variables. In the days leading up to the holidays, stores are crowded and stock runs out quickly. Many residents prefer to shop in advance to avoid the rush and the risk of shortages. In some cases, queues form as early as the morning, and by evening shelves can be emptied.
In large cities and popular resorts, the situation is especially tense. Tourists and locals try to shop at the same time, putting extra pressure on staff and logistics. Even minor schedule changes under these conditions can cause frustration and disputes at store entrances.
Background and experience from previous years
In recent years, Spain has already faced similar challenges during major holidays. For example, at Christmas and in August, when some shops close for several days, many people have experienced shortages of fresh products and long queues. Analysis by russpain.com indicates that network flexibility and keeping customers informed help ease the tension, but the inconvenience cannot be completely avoided yet. In 2025, some regions saw protests due to the unexpected closure of stores on holidays, prompting some chains to reconsider their operating hours. In 2026, the situation is repeating itself: store schedules are once again a subject of discussion and a source of disputes among residents of different regions.
