UPDATED “Tinder-Dona” and upside-down pineapples calls for police presence

In a surprising twist on traditional dating, singles in Spain are swapping online swipes for shopping trolleys, turning Mercadona supermarkets into unexpected hotspots for romance. This quirky trend has been gaining traction, offering an alternative to the often-criticised world of dating apps.

The idea that Mercadona might be a prime location for meeting potential partners was first popularised by Vivy Lin, a TV personality who shared a video on TikTok. According to Lin, many people head to Mercadona between 7 pm and 8 pm with more than just grocery shopping on their minds… They’re hoping to find love in the aisles.

Social media users have since embraced the idea, creating a playful code of conduct for this supermarket matchmaking. For instance, selecting chocolates or sweets for your trolley is rumoured to signal an interest in a casual fling, while opting for legumes might indicate a search for something more serious. There’s even a code for being open to a conversation: carrying an upside-down pineapple. And if you happen to spot someone who catches your eye, a gentle bump of the trolleys could be the perfect icebreaker.

The trend has even spread to other popular shopping spots in Spain. Some suggest visiting the perfume section of El Corte Inglés around lunchtime (typically 2 pm to 3:30 pm) if you’re looking to meet someone with a taste for the finer things in life. With approximately 1,600 Mercadona supermarkets scattered across Spain, it’s easy for curious singles to try out this unconventional dating method for themselves. Whether you’re looking for love or just a fun new way to shop, it seems that Mercadona might just be the place to be.

Police called to Mercadona store in Bilbao

However, this trend has recently taken an unexpected turn. Last Thursday, a mass gathering organised via social media at a Mercadona in Bilbao led to an unusual scene, forcing the Ertzaintza (Basque police) to intervene. The store, located on Rodriguez Arias Street, was flooded with young people in just a few minutes, both at its entrance and in the fruit and vegetable aisles. The sudden influx of people quickly exceeded the store’s permitted capacity, disrupting the pace of work.

Store staff, alarmed by the sheer number of attendees and the potential for chaos, called the police for assistance. They responded swiftly, restoring order without even needing to leave their car. Fortunately, no serious incidents occurred, and there were no arrests or identifications made.

For expatriates living in Spain, this trend might offer a unique and local way to immerse yourself in Spanish culture while potentially meeting new people. So, next time you’re stocking up on groceries, consider timing your trip – but be mindful of any unexpected crowds!