Non-religious funerals a growing concept in Spain: Rock music, funny anecdotes and alcohol are replacing the traditional solemn mass
Sunday, March 26, 2017 @ 10:51 PM
TWO in three marriages are civil ceremonies and only half of all children are christened in Spain – and now, non-religious funerals are on the rise.
Traditionally, a Catholic funeral involves a sombre mass – normally in Latin – and an open coffin where no expense is spared in making the deceased look as attractive as possible.
The ceremony is normally held within 24 hours or a maximum of 48 hours after death, and once the religious rites have taken place, the grieving family and friends go home.
Misunderstanding has arisen between Spaniards and northern European expatriates – the tradition of setting up monuments such as benches with a plaque and photograph, of playing the deceased's favourite music, turning up in coloured clothes instead of black attire, and holding a boozy party afterwards to 'celebrate the life' of the departed loved one has often been considered macabre by the native Spanish population, or at the very least, disrespectful.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com