May Day Holiday

[StevethePlanner]

It occurred to me that some of us are on our Camino on May 1. I understand that the May Day holiday may be a bigger thing in Portugal (and Europe) than in the U.S.. Are some stores closed May 1 (Friday)? If yes, then buying food/supplies the day before is a good idea.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Commerce generally continues. Sometimes stores are closed until the labor parades are over. Occasionally unions force stores in big cities to close, usually just a token morning gesture.

 

[StevethePlanner]

On May 1 I'll be walking from Moscavida to Alverca. Might I see a parade??? That would be fun!

 

[amorfati1]

It occurred to me that some of us are on our Camino on May 1. I understand that the May Day holiday may be a bigger thing in Portugal (and Europe) than in the U.S.. Are some stores closed May 1 (Friday)? If yes, then buying food/supplies the day before is a good idea.

yes, May 1st is a much bigger event in many regions in Europe (than one realizes in the US). I was in Portugal last year on May 1st and postponed my camino start by one day to avoid walking in increased road traffic, bussle and hassle ...
Banks, PostOffice, etc are closed. Many stores as well. Trains and busses mostly run on a holiday schedule.
in small villages you might see parades as well ... enjoy!

 

[StevethePlanner]

So fellow pilgrims - lessons learned from this thread:

1. By Thursday April 30, make sure you have enough cash to last 3-4 days: Friday the holiday plus the weekend. If the ATM eats your card, banks may be closed.
2. Have your camera accessible for any parades!
3. If traveling by train/bus, check the holiday schedule (take note @Restless).
4. Do not listen to music while walking on busy streets/roads. KEEP ALERT!
5. Entertain the increased number of local drivers by unexpectedly darting out into the road waving your trekking poles and shouting HAPPY MAY DAY! (Just joking! )

I happened to be in Brazil on their Independence Day and saw several festive parades in villages along the Amazon. I was also in London over July 4, but for some reason the British don't celebrate our (U.S.) Independence Day. Go figure!

 

[GeraldD]

Hello Peregrinos,
My experience last year is that the long weekend with 1st of May is used by many Portugese (MTB) cyclists to go from Porto to Santiago in 3/4 days. (they go back by minivan).
At refugios the walkers always have priority above cyclists.