1 May (Labour Day) falls on a Friday this year in Hungary, creating a three-day long weekend for most workers. As it is a public holiday, the majority of shops across the country will remain closed on that day.
Long weekend ahead
Large retail chains, shopping malls, and most standalone stores will not open their doors on Friday. However, some service providers located in malls or separate venues — such as restaurants, cafés, cinemas and gyms — may operate, though often with reduced or altered opening hours.
Authorities and retailers advise customers to check individual opening times in advance before travelling.
Where you can still shop on 1 May
Although most shops will be closed, essential services and a limited number of outlets will remain open.
On the public holiday, the following may operate:
- Petrol station shops
- Pharmacies on duty rotation
- Independent flower shops
- Newsagents
- Sweet shops
- Restaurants and entertainment venues
Waste collection will continue according to the usual schedule, 24.hu reports.
In addition, some small convenience stores may open if the owner is present, and a few 24-hour shops and petrol station outlets will also remain available.
Retail schedule: before and after the holiday
The surrounding days will follow normal trading rules:
- 30 April (Thursday): normal opening hours
- 1 May (Friday): closed nationwide
- 2 May (Saturday): standard weekend opening hours
- 3 May (Sunday): standard Sunday opening hours
Retailers expect no major changes outside the public holiday itself.
Shopping chains: what will be closed
The main supermarket chains will follow a uniform pattern:
- Aldi, Lidl, Penny, Tesco, Spar, Interspar: closed on 1 May
- Open as usual on 2–3 May
Auchan and other hypermarkets also close on the public holiday, though some services (such as petrol station stores or online delivery operations) may differ by location.
CBA and Coop stores also generally close on 1 May, but as many operate under franchise systems, individual exceptions may apply.
Busy periods: when to avoid shopping during the long weekend
Retail experts expect two major rush periods:
- 30 April (Thursday): last-minute pre-holiday shopping peak
- 2 May (Saturday): restocking and weekend shopping traffic
Supermarkets are likely to be significantly busier during these periods, especially in the afternoon.
May Day and Mother’s Day coincide
This year’s long weekend is further intensified by Mother’s Day, which falls on Sunday (3 May). As a result, demand for flowers, chocolates, cakes and small gifts is expected to increase throughout the weekend.
Flower shops, in particular, may extend their opening hours on Sunday to meet demand.
Events and public celebrations
May Day remains a significant public holiday in Hungary, traditionally marked by community events, fairs and “majális” festivals across the country.
In Budapest, trade unions are organising celebrations at their headquarters in Városligeti fasor, with family-friendly programmes and public gatherings also expected nationwide.
In short
- Most shops are closed on 1 May (Friday)
- Normal weekend trading resumes on 2–3 May
- Essential services (pharmacies, petrol stations, some kiosks) remain open
- Expect heavy shopping traffic before and after the holiday
- Mother’s Day will also drive increased demand, especially for flowers and gifts
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