Shops across Hungary will largely close on Sunday, 1 November, for All Saints’ Day, while most retailers will operate as usual on Saturday, 31 October, and Monday, 2 November. Shoppers are advised to plan ahead to avoid finding supermarkets and shopping centre stores closed over the holiday weekend.
Closures due to public holiday
All Saints’ Day is a public holiday in Hungary, meaning most large supermarkets, hypermarkets and shopping centre shops will not open on Sunday. Saturday and the following Monday, however, are normal shopping days, with businesses expected to follow their usual opening hours.
The holiday falls on a Sunday this year, while All Souls’ Day, observed on 2 November, is a regular working day. Schools are also due to resume classes on Monday as the autumn half-term break ends.
Which shops can open on Sunday?
Although most retail outlets will close on 1 November, some businesses are permitted to operate on public holidays. These include petrol stations and their convenience shops, pharmacies operating on an on-call basis, independent florists, newsagents and confectioneries.
According to 24.hu, hospitality and entertainment venues, including restaurants, cafés and cinemas, may also remain open. Some smaller stores can open if the owner personally serves customers, while certain round-the-clock stores may continue trading.
Shopping centres will therefore not necessarily be entirely shut. While their retail units are generally expected to close, cinemas, restaurants and other leisure facilities may still welcome visitors. Customers should check individual businesses’ opening hours before setting out, as arrangements can vary.
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Cemetery visits and flower shops
The holiday weekend traditionally brings increased visits to cemeteries, where families remember deceased relatives and friends. Cemeteries and nearby florists may extend their opening hours to accommodate visitors.
Municipal public cemeteries in Budapest are scheduled to remain open from 7 AM to 8 PM between 30 October and 2 November. Opening arrangements elsewhere in the country may differ, so visitors are advised to check locally before travelling.
Independent florists are among the businesses that may open on the public holiday, making it possible to buy flowers and other items for cemetery visits even when supermarkets are closed.
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Plan shopping before the holiday
Anyone expecting to need groceries, household essentials or other everyday items on Sunday should consider buying them on Saturday. Petrol stations and other permitted retailers can provide alternatives for last-minute purchases, but their ranges may be more limited than those of supermarkets.
With most major stores closed on 1 November, checking local opening hours in advance can help avoid unnecessary journeys during the holiday.
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