Two holidays in one week: Open today, everything closed on Monday

Two holidays in one week: Open today, everything closed on Monday

Día de la Constitución on December 6 – shops open; Immaculate Conception on December 8 – day of rest

This December is convenient this year: first a holiday with open shops, then another day off when the island can take a breather. Today, December 6, Spain observes Día de la Constitución. December 6, 1978 marked the coming into force of the current constitution — a milestone in recent Spanish history that enshrined the transition to parliamentary democracy. In Palma you notice it not only in history books but in the morning bustle of the shopping streets.

Shop owners turn on their display lights even in the side streets this Saturday. Large centers like FAN, Porto Pi and the Mallorca Fashion Outlet are open and invite you to browse. For locals this means: finishing gift shopping on a Saturday afternoon without squeezing it into the working week. For tourists it’s a chance to explore Mallorca’s retail scene — from chains to boutiques, whose owners are usually friendly and relaxed.

Convenient for everyone on the go: the city EMT buses run today on the regular Saturday timetable. That means slightly longer intervals than on weekdays, but reliable connections within Palma and the usual lines to the shopping centers. Anyone waiting at the Plaça d’Espanya in the morning knows the sound of the doors and the rustle of passengers — a Saturday with a holiday feel.

Important for short-term planning: next Monday, December 8, is the Immaculate Conception. On that day in Mallorca most shops remain closed. Large department stores and shopping centers are generally not open on such religious holidays. So if you still have things to tick off your list, it’s better to do them today; Monday is more suited to walks by the sea, driving into the mountains or simply having coffee with friends.

A small everyday tip: the big centers are open today, but it’s worth coming early. Porto Pi, for example, fills up faster around noon as locals and visitors use the shopping break. On the other hand, Palma’s side streets often offer surprising alternatives — small shops and bakeries where you can still make a real coffee or ensaimada stop. Many cafés keep flexible opening hours on holidays; that’s a bit of Mallorcan calm amid the bustle.

Why this is good for Mallorca? A shopping-friendly holiday spreads customer visits over more days instead of compressing everything into one Saturday. For retailers it means an additional opportunity, for visitors more choice, and for the island a bit of economic movement during the pre-Christmas period. The following day of rest on Monday, meanwhile, gives employees time with family or to relax — a rhythm many small venues and crafts businesses can appreciate.

If you live here you notice it in small things: the delivery van rolling earlier than usual down the Avinguda Jaume III, the street sweepers working among the passers-by, and the smell of fresh coffee on the corners. On Monday it’s often different: more quiet, emptier parking lots, a slower Palma. A tip for visitors: check opening hours in advance, especially if certain boutiques or specialty stores are on your list.

Overall: today is a good opportunity for shopping and a lively Saturday on the island. Monday offers a different quality — time for walks, markets (if available) or a trip to the mountains. So: pack your bag, put on your shoes and decide whether you’d rather shop or catch your breath. Both options belong to a Mallorcan December.