The death of a family member or loved one in Spain is treated differently than in the UK or some other European countries. Usually, the funeral or cremation happens with 24 hours of the death, whereas in the UK there is more time to allow for preparations and funerals or cremations can take place anywhere from three days to a few weeks after death.
Due to the increased numbers of expats living here in Spain and particularly on the Costa del Sol, more and more funeral directors are recognising that expats require more time between the death of their loved one and the burial/cremation. There must be time to make preparations and for families and friends not present in Spain to have time to travel here. I can liase with your funeral director, in Spanish or English to help you have your wishes heard or to help you understand the process, if there is any misunderstanding.
How can you organise a funeral or memorial service in the Costa del Sol?
In Spain, the funeral process is quite different and there is no funeral/memorial service as such. There is a meeting at the home of the deceased the day before the burial, then the next day at the cemetery the priest reads some religious verses and then later in the week prayers are said for the deceased at mass. Although this is the custom here, it does not mean that you have to do the same. With my help, I can help you to put together a beautiful service for your loved one that not only is a celebration of their life but a chance for family and friends to pay their respects, read eulogies, poems and readings, listen to music and tell funny stories. Humanist ceremonies allow for meaningful and personalised ceremonies that although mark a sad occasion, they are also uplifting and inspiring.
If you require a beautifully, personalised Humanist funeral or memorial service for your loved one in the Costa del Sol area, please contact me or call me directly on (+34) 617 174 076 for more information.