December brings two important public holidays to Spain — known locally as “red days” — on the 6th and 8th of the month. These dates mark Constitution Day and the Day of the Immaculate Conception, both celebrated nationwide. While they add a festive feel to the start of December, they also bring changes to shop opening hours, especially here in Orihuela Costa.

For anyone planning their food shopping, it looks like the Mercadona will be closed on Monday 8th December and will close early on Saturday 6th December. In order to avoid disappointment, best check other shops like Carrefour and Lidl beforehand. If you need to shop on these fiesta days, Zenia Boulevard (for Primark, Al Campo etc) is probably your most reliable option compared to smaller supermarkets or standalone shops.

The good news is that cafés, bars, and restaurants in Orihuela Costa are usually unaffected by red-day closures. Most hospitality businesses stay open, and many become even livelier as locals and visitors take the chance to enjoy the fiestas.

The best plan is to do your supermarket shopping a day or two early and then enjoy the fiestas !