The arrival of Three Kings Day is often marked by family gatherings and gift-giving, but also by last-minute shopping.
Whether it is to get the traditional Roscón or to solve an unforeseen problem in the kitchen, it is vital to know that January 6 is a national holiday, which significantly alters commercial activity throughout Spain.
Mercadona and Carrefour: closed for holidays
Two of the chains with the largest market share in the country have opted for a general closure. Mercadona, following its usual policy of not opening on holidays, will keep all its shutters down on Tuesday.
For its part, Carrefour has also decided to observe the holiday in the vast majority of its centers. Although the company operated normally during the previous Sunday and Monday, this January 6 its main stores will remain closed.
However, in some specific locations, their express format stores may have exceptions, so it is recommended to use the search engine on their official website.
Lidl and Aldi: special opening hours and selective openings
In the case of the German chains, the situation is variable. Lidl will operate under a special timetable scheme. This means that, although some stores may open their doors, they will not do so during their usual hours, reducing their working day to allow their employees to rest.
Similarly, Aldi will keep most of its branches closed. Although its reference hours are usually from 9:00 to 21:00, this Tuesday the norm will be closure, except in very specific points of sale located in areas of high tourist influx or shopping centers with special permits.
DIA Supermarkets: the reduced opening hours option
For those who need to make an emergency purchase, DIA supermarkets may be one of the few alternatives. The chain plans to open a limited selection of its stores under reduced opening hours, generally from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
This measure will be applied both in its neighborhood stores and in the larger formats, always depending on the geographic location.
The best advice: use the online “tester”.
Given the disparity of schedules and the fact that many opening decisions depend on the local regulations of each municipality, the main recommendation is not to travel without prior consultation.
Most companies have a tool on their websites called a “store checker” or branch finder: by entering the zip code, the system indicates in real time whether the nearest store is open and what its opening hours are. Planning this consultation in advance is the best way to avoid unnecessary trips on such an important day.
