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All Saints’ Day, November 1, is traditionally a public holiday when it falls on a weekday, but this time, as it’s a Saturday, most opening hours are unlikely to be affected. But, watch out! Smaller, independent shopkeepers may well take the day off to spend with their families, such as owners of lottery shops, dry cleaners, and some grocery shops. What’s closed & what’s open on All Saints’ Day, Costa del Sol? Mercadona appear to be modernising bit by bit, and rather than remaining closed all day, they are keeping their doors open until 3pm at coastal stores. Although do check opening times for more inland stores. All other favourites, such as Lidl, Aldi, Carrefour and Alcampo, are advertising that they will open on All Saints Day. La Cañada and Miramar are listed as opening as normal, but individual stores inside the shopping centres may decide to close. All saints’ Day Costa del Sol – Reverence, families, and some fun All Saints’ Day in Spain is all about being together in families, from the youngest to those no longer with us. For many, the first half of the day will be busy, with many visiting their departed at the cemeteries, taking flowers and equipment to clean the headstones and plaques. Expect increased traffic and many parking badly as they attempt to get as close to the cemetery gates as possible. If you were hoping to buy a romantic bunch of flowers for your significant other, make sure you book ahead, as this tends to be the busiest day of the year for florists, even more so than St Valentine’s. Cake shops may also be full of queues, as a favourite annual treat – “Huesos de Santos” – is traditionally eaten on this day as dessert. Between solemnly laying wreaths at gravesides and family lunches comes the inevitable “aperitivo”—one”, two, or more drinks at local bars accompanied by that bar’s speciality tapas while waiting for a 3pm family lunch. I hope you don’t work nights, as terrace spirits might run high like the gin and tonic. Families coming together plays a big part of All Saints’ Day in Spain, so finding a table at a restaurant, especially for lunch, will likely be tricky. Bookings will be essential, and some more popular restaurants, especially at the coast, might even have earmarked larger tables for particular families – ones that return year after year on the same date and who are likely to spend a lot. All Saints’ evening tends to be a jollier affair. With many of those families having already opened the wine at lunchtime, bars will no doubt fill up a little earlier than usual. People don’t usually dress up as ghosts and ghouls like in Mexico (that’s the night before), but rather don their Sunday best. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of All Saints’ Day on the Costa del Sol, but remember not to get caught out by overbooked restaurants, public transport schedule changes, and shops closing without much of a warning. Find out more about the traditions of All Saints’ Day in Spain here.
