Supermarket Opening Hours in Catalonia on May 1st, Labor Day

Most major chains like Mercadona, Carrefour, and Lidl will close their doors during the public holiday.

Generic image of a closed supermarket with a 'closed' sign on the door.
IA

Generic image of a closed supermarket with a 'closed' sign on the door.

This upcoming May 1st, Labor Day, will be a public holiday in Catalonia, raising questions about the opening of supermarkets and shopping centers, as it is not a usual commercial opening day.

The public holiday on May 1st, known as Labor Day, is a non-working and paid day throughout Spain, including Catalonia. This date is not listed as a commercial opening holiday in the established calendar, leading many establishments to keep their doors closed.
According to the Workers' Statute, paid and non-recoverable public holidays cannot exceed fourteen per year. National holidays include dates such as New Year's Day, Good Friday, May 1st, August 15th, October 12th, November 1st, Constitution Day (December 6th), Immaculate Conception Day (December 8th), and Christmas Day (December 25th).
The decision to open or close supermarkets depends on each chain's commercial policy and the specific location of each establishment. While some will remain completely closed, others might operate with reduced or special hours.
Most major chains have announced they will close. Mercadona, for example, usually closes on Sundays and public holidays, and May 1st will be no exception in Barcelona and the rest of Catalonia. Similarly, Carrefour, Lidl, Consum, and Alcampo will also keep most of their stores and hypermarkets closed.
In the case of Dia, their supermarkets are usually closed, especially in less populated areas, so it is recommended to check their official website to verify the opening hours of each establishment. Meanwhile, Caprabo indicates that hours may vary depending on the type of holiday and locality, advising customers to consult the supermarket locator to avoid unnecessary trips.