A long-awaited November weekend is arriving in the Spanish capital, offering many Madrid residents a chance to relax and spend time with family. However, the festive Día de la Almudena traditionally brings its own changes to the city’s daily rhythm, especially when it comes to grocery shopping. This year, on November 9, not all supermarkets will be open for customers, and some will modify their usual hours.
Mercadona will stick to its usual policy: the stores will remain closed on public holidays. This year, the chain’s supermarkets will not open either on Sunday or on Monday, the official holiday. On Saturday, the day before, stores will operate as usual, but from Sunday a two-day break will begin. Some locations in the city center may be closed for renovations, so it’s best to check current information in advance.
Carrefour and Lidl have chosen a different approach. Depending on the format and location, some stores will open, but with reduced hours. For example, certain hypermarkets and Market stores will operate on their regular schedule, while others will only be open until noon. Some locations, like those on Orense street or in the Canal Isabel II area, will open early in the morning and remain open until midnight, but most Express formats will close at 10 PM. Lidl is also shortening hours: most of its stores will be open from 10 AM until 3 or 4 PM, though some branches may remain closed entirely.
Aldi and Dia have decided not to leave city residents without shopping options. Aldi plans to open most of its stores from 10:00 to 15:00, while some locations, such as on Alsasua street or Cuatro Caminos square, will remain open until 21:00 or even 22:00. Dia, on the other hand, will be one of the most accessible chains on this day: most stores will operate from 10:00 to 20:00, and some will start welcoming customers from 9:00 in the morning. For exact opening hours, it’s best to use the online store locator by address.
Plan your shopping in advance
A holiday weekend is the perfect opportunity to relax, but to avoid being greeted by locked supermarket doors, it’s worth checking in advance which stores will be open and when. This is especially important for those stocking up for several days or planning to visit friends. With changed hours, even your usual routes might need to be adjusted.
Almudena Day is not only a reason to celebrate, but also a reminder that even in a big city it’s important to pay attention to everyday details. Check opening times to avoid unpleasant surprises and enjoy a hassle-free weekend.
