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Date Published: 30/10/2024

Murcia towns spruce up their cemeteries ready for All Saints' Day

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The municipalities are preparing for a day of remembrance with improved facilities, extended hours and additional services

Murcia towns spruce up their cemeteries ready for All Saints' Day

In anticipation of All Saints’ Day on November 1, several towns across Murcia are working to beautify and improve their cemeteries, especially after the mess of leaves, puddles and mud that has been left after the storm.

From cemetery maintenance to expanded parking and public transport services, local authorities have put in place measures to ensure the day runs smoothly and respectfully, and they are expecting a large turnout as families gather to honour the deceased.

The Día de Todos los Santos is an occasion that falls on the day after Halloween, and is traditionally a time when Spaniards pay their respects to the dead by cleaning their graves and leaving flowers for them.

It is also a national holiday, when banks, schools and many businesses are shut and supermarkets reduce their opening hours.

Águilas

In Águilas, the Town Hall has completed a series of upgrades at the municipal cemetery, focusing on both practical improvements and aesthetic touches to create a more welcoming environment for visitors.

Isabel Fernández, Councillor for Cemeteries, oversaw the preparations, which included regular cleaning, plot maintenance and giving everything a lick of paint. This year, a new computer system was also implemented to streamline operations for cemetery staff and funeral parlours, and a new module of recesses was added to accommodate future needs.

“The cemetery is something that our team cares for all year round, and we recognise its importance to the people of Águilas,” said Fernández, who also praised the staff for their diligent upkeep.

To accommodate the high numbers of visitors, opening hours from Thursday October 31 to Sunday November 3 will run from 8am to 7pm, with increased parking and security around the cemetery. A traditional Mass for the Dead will be held at 8am on Saturday November 2.

Lorca

In Lorca, local authorities are deploying additional staff and measures to facilitate the safe flow of visitors at municipal cemeteries, including San Clemente and San Cristóbal.

Juan Miguel Bayonas López, Councillor for Public Safety, announced that from Wednesday October 30 onwards, more than 30 personnel would be stationed to assist with entry and exit at key points. Local police will manage traffic to avoid congestion, and parking will be restricted to designated spaces near the San Clemente cemetery.

To support those without private transport, an extra bus service will be added between the town centre and San Clemente on November 1. Buses will run every half hour from 7.15am to 1.45pm, supplementing the usual line from the hospital to the cemetery.

“We expect a more staggered flow of visitors, thanks to the additional services in place,” said Bayonas.

Jumilla

Jumilla has also made thorough preparations, enhancing the cemetery’s layout and facilities. Over the past weeks, slabs damaged by tree roots were repaired, benches and litter bins were repainted, and general cleaning was carried out to ready the grounds.

Francisco Javier Bernal, Councillor for Services and Cemeteries, highlighted the importance of these upgrades for an enjoyable visit.

On November 1, the local council will provide a free bus service with 13 stops across Jumilla from 8am to 2pm, offering easy access for all residents. Additionally, the cemetery will operate extended hours: from 8am to 6pm on October 30 and 31, and from 7am until midnight on November 1.

Special lighting will illuminate the grounds overnight, and a Mass for the Dead will be held on November 2 at 4.30pm.

As families gather in Murcia’s towns to commemorate their loved ones, these improvements and thoughtful planning aim to provide both convenience and reverence. With support from public services and the dedication of local councils, visitors can experience a peaceful and meaningful All Saints’ Day.

Caravaca de la Cruz

The traditionally very religious town of Caravaca de la Cruz has set up a free shuttle service to the municipal cemetery. The service will be active on Thursday and Friday, with departures every hour on the dot, from 9am to 1pm and from 3pm to 5pm, leaving from Plaza Paco Pim, and returning again from the cemetery every hour on the half hour.

The municipal cemetery in the town centre will be open from 8am to 8pm. Holy Mass will be celebrated on November 1 at 4pm in the outdoor chapel located next to the main entrance.

The Department of Public Safety and Traffic has also revealed that the Local Police will be directing traffic at the entrances to the municipal cemetery and on the RM-730 road in order to control the circulation of vehicles. Vehicle access to the cemetery will not be permitted on November 1. The Public Services Department has reinforced its municipal cleaning service throughout the cemetery.

To complement the usual service provided by the flower shops in Caravaca, the traditional flower stalls will be set up on the Paseo de La Corredera. These will be open to the public on October 30 and 31, from 8am to 2pm and from 4pm to 8pm, and on November 1, from 8am to 1pm.

Image 1: Ayuntamiento de Jumilla

Image 2: Ayuntamiento de Lorca

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