In 2026, Easter in Madrid brought not only traditional family gatherings but also significant changes to the usual shopping routine. Changes to supermarket schedules came as a surprise for many residents, as both Thursday and Friday were declared official public holidays. This decision affected thousands of families planning to shop for their festive tables and sparked a wave of questions about which stores would be open on those dates.
The situation is further complicated by the different ways major retail chains respond to the holiday calendar. Some companies suspend operations entirely, others try to maintain regular hours, and some introduce reduced opening times. This variety forces shoppers to check schedules in advance and adjust their plans to avoid running out of essentials during the holidays.
Mercadona Schedule
The Mercadona chain traditionally adheres to a strict holiday policy. On Thursday, stores usually open only until midday, most often from 9:00 to 14:00 or 15:00, although exact hours depend on the specific location. On Friday, most Mercadona supermarkets will be closed all day. This decision aligns with the company’s policy of ensuring staff get full rest on official holidays. For shoppers, this means they need to plan major purchases ahead of time or look for alternatives at other chains.
According to russpain.com, this policy has sparked debate among Madrid residents for several years, especially during periods of mass travel and family gatherings. Last year, many people experienced a shortage of fresh products precisely because stores were closed on holidays.
Flexibility at Lidl and Carrefour
Unlike Mercadona, Lidl and Carrefour demonstrate greater flexibility. Lidl stores in Madrid are generally open on both Thursday and Friday, maintaining their regular hours from 9:00 to 21:30 or 22:00. In some cases, there may be minor adjustments to opening times, but most locations continue to serve customers almost as usual.
Carrefour also remains one of the most accessible chains during the holidays. Most of its hypermarkets and supermarkets are open from 9:00 to 22:00, allowing residents and visitors of the city to keep their usual routines even at the height of Easter. However, company management advises confirming the hours of specific stores, as exceptions are possible depending on the format and location.
Changes at Día, Aldi and El Corte Inglés
The Día, Aldi, and El Corte Inglés chains offer an even more varied approach. Thanks to a large number of franchise locations, Día allows some stores to independently set their schedules. As a result, some Día supermarkets are open on holidays, but with reduced hours, making it possible to shop at the last minute.
At Aldi, the situation depends on local regulations and the specific location. Some stores operate on special schedules, usually with reduced hours. El Corte Inglés and its supermarkets are generally open from 9:00 or 11:00 until 22:00, but individual adjustments are also possible. This approach allows Madrid residents to choose the most convenient shopping options, despite holiday restrictions.
Context and past experience
In recent years, Madrid has repeatedly faced challenges with store availability during major holidays. For example, on Christmas and national holidays, many chains also reduced hours or closed entirely, causing a rush on the eve of holidays. In 2025, according to RUSSPAIN, a similar situation occurred in Andalucía and Valencia, where residents had to shop in advance due to limited supermarket access. These schedule changes are becoming increasingly common, reflecting companies’ efforts to consider employee interests and adapt to new consumer habits.
