Budapest Stores to Close for National Holiday on October 23rd

As the national holiday on October 23rd approaches, residents of Budapest are preparing for a mid-week break from their usual routines. Unlike last year, when the holiday fell on a Monday, creating a long weekend, this year’s leap year has pushed the holiday to Wednesday. While this may not result in an extended weekend, it does mean that many stores will be closed, disrupting the weekly shopping habits of families and the scheduled promotions of various retailers.

Impact on Weekly Promotions

Discount chains operating in Hungary, such as Lidl, Aldi, and Penny, typically run their promotions from Thursday to Wednesday. However, with October 23rd falling on a Wednesday in 2024, these weekly promotions will be cut short by a day. This change in schedule may catch some shoppers off guard, as they plan their weekly grocery trips around these promotions.

Stores Affected by the Closure

The national holiday on October 23rd, which commemorates the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, is a non-working day. As a result, most stores will be closed, including major supermarkets, shopping malls, electronics stores, and clothing retailers. Some of the notable stores that will be shuttered on this day include:

• Aldi
• Lidl
• Penny
• Tesco
• Auchan
• Spar and Interspar
• CBA
• Coop
• Reál

While these stores will be closed on October 23rd, they will maintain their usual operating hours on October 22nd and 24th, allowing customers to plan their shopping accordingly.

Exceptions to the Closure

Despite the widespread closures, some establishments will remain open on October 23rd to cater to the needs of the public. These include:

• Gas stations
• Pharmacies operating on an on-call basis
• Independent florists
• Newsstands
• Candy stores
• Restaurants and entertainment venues
• Small shops and tobacco stores where the owner or a family member is working

Additionally, stores located at gas stations, such as Spar, Tesco, and Fresh Corner, will continue to operate, as will 24-hour convenience stores.

Preparing for the Time Change

As the national holiday approaches, so does the transition to winter time. On the night of October 26th to 27th, 2024 (Saturday to Sunday), clocks will need to be set back one hour, from 3:00 AM to 2:00 AM. The good news is that this time change will allow for an extra hour of sleep on the last weekend of October. However, it’s important to remember that not all clocks automatically adjust, so manual changes may be necessary.

Conclusion

The national holiday on October 23rd may disrupt the usual shopping routines of Budapest residents, but with a little planning, any inconvenience can be minimized. By being aware of the store closures and the few exceptions, shoppers can ensure they have all the necessary supplies before the holiday. As the city prepares to commemorate the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the country’s history and enjoy a mid-week break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.