Valencia, the third largest city in Spain, is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. However, for those visiting the city, a common question often arises: Do stores open on Sundays? This may seem like a trivial matter, but for visitors or tourists on short or long stays, it can make a significant difference when planning their itinerary. Knowing whether stores are open on Sundays or not can help visitors make the most of their time in Valencia. In this article, we will uncover the secret of Sunday shopping in Valencia and provide you with the information you need to plan your trip accordingly.
Opening of Shops in Valencia on Sundays and Holidays: A Comprehensive Guide for 2023
In the Valencian Community, the opening of shops on Sundays and holidays is a topic of great relevance and variability. Store operating hours in this region allow for a total of 90 hours of operation per week, from Monday to Saturday. However, the possibility of opening a maximum of 11 Sundays and holidays per year is subject to the authorization of the competent authority in commercial matters.
Flexibility in Hours: Who Can Open 365 Days a Year?
In this context, certain categories of establishments enjoy flexibility in operating hours. These include shops with a sales area of less than 300 square meters, gas stations, pastry shops, bakeries, newsstands, convenience stores, and establishments located in land, sea, and air transportation stations. Additionally, those whose primary activity is the sale of cultural products also have the ability to open their doors 365 days a year.
Zones of High Tourist Traffic: Greater Autonomy in Hours
Areas designated as high tourist traffic zones (ZGAT) also have the autonomy to set their hours and days of operation in the Valencian Community. However, this flexibility only applies during the seasons when they are granted this special consideration.
Starting from June 15th, many municipalities have the option to keep their stores open every day of the week, from Monday to Sunday.
Key Dates for the Opening of Shops on Sundays and Holidays in 2023
The schedule for the opening of commercial establishments in Valencia during the holidays of 2023 has been announced. Eleven days have been approved when shopping centers will be available.
According to the Commerce Law of the Valencian Community, Sundays and holidays are generally considered non-working days. However, each year, a maximum of eleven Sundays or holidays will be enabled in which establishments can open their doors to the public for commercial activities.
Reasons for Opening on Sundays and Holidays
There are various reasons for allowing opening on a Sunday or holiday. Some cases include the coincidence of two or more consecutive holidays, opening on the first Sundays of traditional sales periods, opening on Sundays and holidays with the highest tourist influx in the Valencian Community, and opening during the Christmas and Three Kings season.
Opening Dates for Shops in Valencia for 2023
The opening dates for shops in Valencia for 2023 include:
- January 8 (as part of the traditional sales period).
- April 7, Good Friday (due to tourist influx).
- April 9, Sunday (due to the coincidence of two or more holidays).
- April 30, Sunday (due to the coincidence of two or more holidays).
- June 24, celebration of San Juan in the first half of the year.
In the second half of the year:
- July 2, Sunday (due to the traditional sales period).
- October 8, Sunday (due to the coincidence of two or more holidays).
- November 26 (for the Christmas and Three Kings campaign).
- December 8 (for the Christmas and Three Kings campaign).
- December 24, Sunday (due to the coincidence of two or more holidays).
- December 31 (for the Christmas and Three Kings campaign).
Opening in High Tourist Traffic Zones
In addition to the generally enabled holidays and Sundays, the Generalitat establishes additional opening periods in municipalities with declared high tourist traffic zones. These areas may be open to the public during specific periods, such as Palm Sunday to the second Sunday of Easter, except for May 1st, and from June 15th to September 15th.
Flexibility in Hours: Benefits for Consumers and Retailers
This flexibility in store opening hours aims to meet the needs of consumers and promote the dynamism of local commerce. It also provides retailers with the opportunity to take advantage of peak tourist seasons and sales periods to boost their sales.
Promoting Local Economic Growth
The possibility of opening on Sundays and holidays in Valencia and Alicante during specific periods reflects the diversity of activities and events held in the region throughout the year. From traditional festivities to tourist celebrations, this schedule allows stores to be accessible to residents and visitors at key moments.
In the current economic context, opening stores on holidays has become an important strategy to promote economic growth and the competitiveness of local businesses. Through this regulation, the aim is to balance the need to promote commerce with the importance of preserving the festive character of certain dates.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the planning of store opening days in Valencia for 2023 offers a framework that combines tradition, tourism, and commercial activity with the goal of benefiting both consumers and local businesses. This adaptable and dynamic approach contributes to maintaining the vitality of the retail sector in the Valencian Community.
