Mercadona stores across Spain were closed on Monday, October 12, for Día de la Hispanidad and the Pilar holiday. Sunday, October 11, was already a non-trading day for the retailer, giving shoppers a two-day break. In 2026, October 12 was a public holiday across every Spanish autonomous community, including Ceuta and Melilla, creating a rare three-day weekend for many workers, El Periódico reported.
Mercadona’s approach has a long history. Under Juan Roig, the company has maintained a strict policy of closing stores on Sundays and public holidays. Only a handful of tourist-heavy areas have summer exceptions. While rivals often adjust hours to serve holiday crowds, Mercadona sticks to its policy. Independent outlets including 20minutos and El Independiente reported the October 12, 2026, shutdown as part of this longstanding practice. Nearly every store closed, though rare exceptions may occur. Customers can check the official Mercadona locator for local opening information. El Independiente also reported that Mercadona suspended its online delivery service nationwide on October 12, alongside closing its physical stores.
In the Valencian Community, Mercadona had already closed on Friday, October 9, for the 9 d'Octubre regional holiday. The next change to opening hours comes in December: November 1, Día de Todos los Santos, falls on a Sunday, when stores are closed anyway. Infobae reported that the Día de la Hispanidad closure affected almost the entire Mercadona network. Some local exceptions may exist, so customers should check each store’s status.
Regular customers will need to plan ahead to avoid running short on essentials during the holiday break. Mercadona’s closure policy can catch last-minute shoppers off guard, particularly those used to fitting in a weekend shop. Stores were set to reopen on Tuesday, October 13, with standard hours from 09:00 to 21:30, though El Periódico noted that exact times vary by branch.
Mercadona’s firm approach to holiday closures contrasts with retailers that pursue every possible sale. The company puts consistent hours and staff rest ahead of short-term gains. For shoppers, the message is clear: Spain’s biggest supermarket chain will not change its rules for convenience.
