Pentecost 2025: What to Expect for Supermarkets, Shops, and Banks

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The celebration of Pentecost in 2025 falls on Monday, June 9. Different operational rules apply for supermarkets, shops, and banks, as it is not included among the official holidays that apply horizontally to all workers. On Pentecost day, large supermarket chains are expected to operate normally, as has been the case in recent years. Although official announcements from each company have yet to be released, it is certain that most stores will maintain their regular hours, starting early in the morning (07:45 for Lidl and around 08:00 for other chains) and lasting until 21:00. Smaller grocery stores like bakeries, convenience stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and local markets will also remain open, operating as they would on a typical Monday. The situation for retail shops varies significantly. In many cities and commercial districts, especially in tourist areas or larger municipalities, stores will operate normally, either with standard hours or slightly adjusted schedules. However, in regions where established local customs exist or decisions have been made by municipal or regional authorities — such as in Corinth and parts of Central Macedonia — retail stores will remain closed. In these cases, the day has become an unofficial but respected local holiday. Public services and banks will be closed. For the public sector, Pentecost is officially recognized as a holiday, meaning all state services, ministries, organizations, public entities, and bank branches will remain closed. Unlike the public sector, the Monday of Pentecost does not fall under the mandatory holidays of the private sector according to Greek labor law. This means employers are not legally obligated to grant leave unless specified by collective labor agreements, internal company regulations, or established workplace practices.