Renewal of the Quality Seal for educational activities

Cementiris de Barcelona renewed its Quality Seal for educational activities with an Educational Project that was reviewed and approved by the Technical Secretariat of the Pedagogical Innovation Council (CIP).

Cemeteries as learning spaces

Cemeteries represent a historical and artistic legacy that is fundamental for understanding the social and cultural evolution of the populations that preceded us. At the same time, they allow us to better understand the present that surrounds us and help students develop a critical perspective on the world around them.

The social value of cemeteries lies in their representation of the collective memory that unites us as a society and in the understanding of death as a natural part of life. Likewise, aware of the link that cemeteries have with the territory that surrounds them and the people who live there, Cementiris de Barcelona collaborates with schools and districts to nurture a sense of neighbourhood belonging and respect for its heritage.

About the Educational Project

The Educational Project considers the various skills outlined in the school curriculum, aiming to provide pupils and teachers with additional tools to share knowledge and understand different situations from both the past and the present. To effectively address the needs of the curriculum, it focuses on specific competencies that Barcelona Cemeteries, as an organisation, is capable of contributing.

Firstly, the six vectors of Barcelona’s new basic education curriculum have been taken into account. These vectors are designed to foster a society that is critical, sustainable, digital, more equitable, feminist, and democratic. For this reason, three of the six vectors have been considered as the fundamental basis of the Educational Project: competency learning, gender perspective, and global awareness combined with emotional well-being.

On the other hand, the transversal competences of the new curriculum have also been taken into account, particularly civic competence, entrepreneurial competence, personal, social and learning to learn competence and digital competence. Of these, Cementiris de Barcelona's Educational Project includes citizenship competence and personal, social and learning to learn competence.

Guided tour “In the Embrace of Silence”

On November 7, 2024, the Dubovac Catholic Cemetery hosted a guided tour titled "In the Embrace of Silence", part of the Karlovac Fog Festival.

About the event

An invitation to a tourist walk through the Catholic Cemetery Dubovac, under the title "In the Embrace of Silence", might typically evoke expectations of historical and cultural monuments and stories told along the cemetery paths. However, when this walk is held during the week of the Fog Festival, in one of Croatia's foggiest cities, it is clear that it won’t be an ordinary event.

Katzler Pavilion, in collaboration with the Karlovac Tourist Board and the Karlovac County Tourist Guides Association "Bastion", with the support of the Karlovac company "Zelenilo", included a cemetery tour in the Festival program, starting at dusk, when darkness had already taken hold and the cemetery is rarely visited. The goal was to evoke in and around the visitors a mood of silence and peace, free from daytime distractions, while opening their eyes wide to see not only what is there but also what might not be visible, yet is possible.

Although one might think that darkness in an unlit cemetery would be an obstacle, in this case, it became a unifying force, connecting everyone in a mystical story rooted in the real lives of those who rest there forever. Every story matters, regardless of how "significant" someone was in life. And when these stories are wrapped in the foggy veil nature gifted us that evening, all our senses become more attuned, receiving stimuli we are otherwise unaware of.

The walk itself, through the cemetery in the evening hours, was mysterious enough. Visits to the All Saints Chapel and the Vranyczany-Dobrinović Mausoleum, made possible by "Zelenilo" and the mausoleum’s caretakers, added extra value to the entire tour. Many participants recognized this and left with smiles and satisfaction after the 90-minute journey.

We can confidently say that the mission, vision, purpose, and goals of the Fog Festival—increasing the visibility of Karlovac on the world tourist map through education, competition, connecting all tourism stakeholders in the city, raising awareness among Karlovac residents about the potential of their city, revitalizing the post-season, pushing boundaries and breaking the framework of established events—were successfully achieved. And all thanks to the great enthusiasm of the organizers, who back in 2018 launched the first jar of "Karlovac Fog", a souvenir of a guerrilla marketing campaign whose goal was the same as the goal of the Fog Festival - to increase the visibility of Karlovac. Back then, Morana Rožman, introducing the jar of Karlovac fog, warned everyone to be careful. If the jar was carelessly opened, the fog would spread and envelop us all. Clearly, someone did just that, and now we belong to it—foggy and mysterious. And we fear nothing—not even an evening walk through the cemetery.

Text by Ivančica Šebalj
Photos by Demjan Rožman

*The original text in Croatian can be found HERE.

Alto de São João Cemetery (Lisbon, Portugal)

Alto de São João Cemetery, the largest cemetery in Lisbon, is a historic site known for its diverse architectural styles, the mausoleums of many notable figures, and as the location of Portugal's first crematorium.

About the cemetery

Established in 1833 at Quinta de São João, the Alto de São João Cemetery initially served Lisbon's eastern side during a cholera epidemic, before Portugal's 1835 law mandated public cemeteries. Land expropriation was complex, finishing only in 1840, with chapel construction beginning in 1841. Gradually, the cemetery expanded to 22 hectares, mostly for temporary burials. Although private mausoleum demand was initially lower than at Prazeres Cemetery, it surged in the 20th century as Prazeres reached capacity. At the same time, the Alto de São João Cemetery began to be associated with the Republican Movement. 

The construction of the first crematorium in the country began here in 1911, but it was not opened until 1925 due to difficulty in obtaining materials and machinery during the First World War. The crematorium was temporarily closed from 1936 to 1985, with an exception made for Hindu community cemeteries, even during the Estado Novo period. In 1985, the crematorium reopened and remains in use today. In 1941, mass grave burials were abolished, and in 1945, the construction of private tombs was halted, with only a limited number of new tombs built since then.

Landscape and architecture

Originally designed with a central chapel and rectangular layout, Alto de São João saw less demand for 19th-century mausoleums compared to Prazeres Cemetery, but this changed in the 20th century. The cemetery features similar construction styles to Prazeres, including underground tombs with stelae, columns, obelisks, and neo-classic and neo-Gothic chapel mausoleums, along with unique neo-Manueline designs. In the early 20th century, Art Nouveau tombs became common, as did Portuguese House-style mausoleums with tiled facades depicting saints. By the 1930s, Art Deco mausoleums with colored limestone facades and bas-relief figures gained popularity.

The 1940 cemetery regulations formalized a modernist style with minimal ornamentation and monochromatic facades. Before the 1945 halt in construction, the cemetery's mausoleum layouts created “neighbourhoods” reflecting Lisbon’s urban developments. Overall, Alto de São João showcases Lisbon’s architectural evolution, especially through the 20th century.

Historic significance

Lisbon, being the capital of Portugal, concentrates all its major political, administrative and cultural institutions and, consequentially, its most prominent figures. Naturally, its cemeteries are the final resting place for many of them. It was the cemetery chosen by the republican elite as the location for their family mausoleums and commemorative monuments, especially during the First Republic (1910-1926).

In the 1920s, the cemetery established the plot of Combatants of the Great War, later expanded into a monument to honor all Portuguese soldiers.

Burials and cremations of many notable 20th-century Portuguese figures took place here, spanning the Republic, Estado Novo, and Democratic eras. Furthermore, many of the most important Portuguese sculptors, architects and stonemasons have works displayed in this cemetery (specially from the 20th century). Being the largest cemetery in Lisbon, it continues to carry out daily burials in temporary graves and cremations.

Cultural Week in Cemeteries

Started in 2022 at Lisbon cemeteries and later expanded to surrounding areas, the annual Cemetery Cultural Week features guided tours, exhibitions, concerts, book presentations, online lectures, urban sketching, photography workshops, and more. 

At Alto de São João Cemetery, in addition to these activities, a collaboration with Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa allows visitors access to normally closed mausoleums, where they can view sculptures, stained glass windows, photographs, and ceramics. Additionally, a commemorative book is being prepared for 2025 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the country's first crematorium.

Cemetery address

Parada Alto de São João
1900-053 Lisbon
Portugal

Contacts

+351 21 816 1020

Basic data

Date of first burial: 1833
Cemetery area: 22ha

Prazeres Cemetery (Lisbon, Portugal)

Its historical and cultural significance, along with its scale and serene environment, make the Prazeres Cemetery one of the the most visited tourist cemeteries in Portugal.

About the cemetery

Founded in 1833 around the hermitage of Our Lady of Prazeres, the Prazeres Cemetery was established to serve Lisbon's west side alongside Alto de São João Cemetery. In a period of high mortality generated by a cholera epidemic that led to the interruption of burials in the interior of the churches, this cemetery preceded the law of 1835 that forced the establishment of public cemeteries in Portugal. 

The cemetery’s management was transferred from royal oversight to Lisbon’s City Council (CML) in 1834. Over time, the cemetery expanded southward to meet the high demand for family mausoleums. In 1869, a new chapel replaced the original hermitage. Though Catholic in affiliation, the cemetery maintained a secular policy, allowing civil and evangelical burials. By the 1870s, it included an autopsy room for forensic use, as Lisbon had no city morgue until 1899. Due to the space used for monuments, temporary burials ceased by the 1930s.

Landscape design and architecture

Designed with a pentagonal plan, Prazeres Cemetery initially included temporary graves and underground sepulchres. Influenced by Paris's Père Lachaise Cemetery, the first private mausoleums were built in 1839, decorated with stelae, columns, and obelisks. The Palmela Mausoleum pyramid, built in 1848, became Europe’s largest private mausoleum.

Chapel mausoleums became common in the 1860s, featuring neo-classical, neo-Gothic, and various other historicist styles. In buildings from the beginning of the 20th century we will find Art Nouveau influence - not only in the buildings, but also in their decorations, such as stained glass windows, wrought iron doors, railings, and tiles. At the same time, the Portuguese House mausoleums were being constructed, marked by their roofs made of red clay tiles (or limestone carved in the shape of a tile roof), their porches, shutter doors and corner windows.

The reduction in available space slowed down the construction of mausoleums in the cemetery, but nevertheless, we can also find some modernist mausoleums, with straight lines and almost no ornamentation, contrasting the neoclassical mausoleums of the 19th century. Although mausoleum construction ended in 1945, a few notable contemporary pieces are still present. The cemetery, mostly shaded by dark green cypress trees, reflects an architectural evolution spanning three centuries.

Historic significance

Lisbon, being the capital of Portugal, concentrates all its major political, administrative and cultural institutions and, consequentially, its most prominent figures. Naturally, its cemeteries are the final resting place for many of them. As one of the first public cemeteries in Lisbon, Prazeres Cemetery became a prestigious burial place, chosen by aristocratic families and housing many notable Portuguese figures from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Some remains, like those of the poet Fernando Pessoa, the writer Aquilino Ribeiro or the Fado singer Amália Rodrigues., were later moved to the National Pantheon or the Jerónimos Monastery. Artists and writers are especially honored at the Prazeres Cemetery, with dedicated plots and monuments. Prazeres also has public monuments honoring firefighters and police officers (PSP), and features work by prominent Portuguese sculptors, architects, and stonemasons.

Cemetery address

Praça São João Bosco 568
1350-297 Lisbon
Portugal

Contacts

Phone: +351 21 817 3780

Basic data

Date of first burial: 1833
Cemetery area: 12ha
Approximate number of graves.: more than 7.000 mausoleums, 1.500 perpetual graves and 5.000 municipal tombs
Approximate number of yearly burials: 150 burials and 350 ashes

Week of Democratic Memory in Olvera

On November 8 and 9, 2024, special activities took place in Olvera, Spain, as part of their Week of Democratic Memory.

Program

On Friday, November 8, at 8:00 p.m., the Spanish theater company Los Sueños de Fausto performed Flowers of Spain, a theatrical production that explores themes related to Spain’s historical memory, particularly the legacy of the Spanish Civil War and the subsequent Franco dictatorship. The performance took place in the assembly hall of the Sierra de Líjar Institute.

The following day, on Saturday, November 9, at 11:00 a.m., a solemn event was held at the Municipal Cemetery of Olvera to commemorate the Historical Memory and the victims of Franco's repression in the town.

The Olvera City Council thanks everyone who participated in the organised activities and celebrated the Week of Democratic Memory with us.

Invitation to the "Antemurale Christianitatis" conference

The Hungarian National Heritage Institute invites you to a professional conference that will take place from 8 to 9 December 2024 in Budapest, Hungary.

About the conference

The Hungarian National Heritage Institute, member of ASCE, together with the Duna-Drava National Park Directorate, the HUN-REN BTK Institute of History, the HUN-REN-PPKE-PTE Fraknói Vilmos Roman Historical Research Group, the Janus Pannonius Museum, the Hungarian National Archives, the Hungarian Historical Society, the Municipality of Mohács, the University of Pécs and the University of Szeged, cordially invites you to attend the conference "Antemurale Christianitatis - Central Europe and the Western Balkans, Bastions of Christianity".

The aim of the conference is to present the historical situation at the end of the Middle Ages of the countries closely connected with the history of the Kingdom of Hungary and the struggle against the Ottoman Empire - including the Kingdom of Bohemia and Poland, the Holy Roman Empire and the former states in the present-day territories of Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia.

In addition, the organisers aim to create a forum for the presentation of the latest results of Hungarian research in support of the forthcoming commemorative year, with the participation of the international academic community.

Date, location and program

The conference will take place from 8 to 9 December 2024 in the Event Hall of the Várkert Bazár in Budapest, Hungary, starting at 9.00 a.m.

The conference will be bilingual, with Hungarian-English and English-Hungarian interpretation. The event programme is available HERE*.

For additional information, please contact istvan.kovacs@nori.gov.hu or one of the other event organisers.

*Organisers reserve the right to change the programme.

Armenian cemetery (Botoșani, Romania)

The Armenian Cemetery in Botoșani is a cultural and historical treasure, offering a unique insight into the evolution of this important community in Romania.

Historical and cultural context

The Armenian community in Botoșani, which has roots dating back to the medieval period, played a significant role in the city's economic, cultural, and social development. Adhering to Christianity as their state religion since 301, the Armenians established the first Armenian church in Botoșani—St. Mary’s Church in 1350—around which they built a school and the original Armenian cemetery. By the late 19th century, the cemetery was relocated from the Armenian quarter to its current site on Eternitatea Street, alongside an Orthodox cemetery. The Armenian cemetery remains a testament to the community’s rich heritage, preserving the memory of many notable figures from Botoșani's Armenian history.

Funerary architecture and art

The funerary monuments in the Armenian Cemetery are remarkable for their architectural and artistic style. The graves are often decorated with elaborate sculptures, inscriptions in Armenian, and specific religious symbols. These artistic elements offer insight into the traditions and values of the Armenian community, making it a point of interest for historians, anthropologists, and art enthusiasts. Each monument tells a story, providing clues about the life and legacy of those buried there.

Some of the most notable monuments are:

• Funeral Monument of Cristea David (1802-1883) and Flora Goilav (1818-1907),
• Funeral Monument of Christea Manea Loizanu,
• Jon J. Ciomac funeral monument,
• Dr. Andrei Manea funeral monument,
• Gheorghe Christea Goilav funeral monument.

Education and public awareness

The Armenian Cemetery stands as an open-air museum and plays a crucial role in educating the public about the cultural and historical diversity of Botoșani. By organizing guided tours, workshops, and cultural events, the cemetery becomes a place of learning and reflection. These activities help raise awareness and appreciation of Armenian cultural heritage among both locals and visitors.

Community interaction

The peaceful and solemn atmosphere of the cemetery offers a conducive space for meditation and remembrance, being a place where people can reflect on life, history, and traditions. But it is not just a place of memory but also a meeting point for the community. Commemorative events and religious ceremonies bring together members of the Armenian community and those interested in its history and culture. These interactions strengthen social ties and preserve cultural traditions.

International perspectives

International collaborations, such as the visit by representatives of the Ministry of Culture in Poland and students of Armenian descent, highlight the importance of the Armenian Cemetery in Botoșani in a global context. These collaborations not only promote the exchange of knowledge and best practices but also strengthen cultural and historical ties between different nations.

Cemetery address

10 Eternității Street
710321 Botoșani
Romania

Contacts

CNIPT Botosani
(Botoșani National Center for Tourist Information and Promotion)

Phone: +40 231 519 519
Website: visit@visitbotosani.ro

Basic data

Year of first burial: 1881
Cemetery area: 2ha
Approximate number of graves: 378
Approximate number of yearly burials: 5

Cemeteries for sustainable Europe 2025: Peace, justice and strong institutions

The "Gardens of 80" project will expose European cemeteries as memorial spaces that celebrate peace, inclusion, and justice, supporting the goal 16 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

For centuries, cemeteries have been the green oases of the cities. All through the industrial revolution, while cities were expanding the concrete and glass buildings, cemeteries preserved and expanded nature. Preserved peace and tranquillity of the human soul.

In 2025 members of ASCE will join hands to use this element in promoting peace. As 80 years are passing since the largest world conflict ended, we will promote 80 exceptional stories, moments, people, monuments or spaces which contributed to goal 16 of the UN 2030 agenda. Stories that brought humanity closer together by promoting just, peaceful and inclusive societies.

Project is part of the initiative Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe which emerged in 2024 in order to promote the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Gardens of 80 project

80 stories, moments, people, monuments, spaces

We are looking for 80 stories in significant European cemeteries which align to the goal 16 of the UN 2030 agenda. Stories that contribute to peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. People who made it possible for others to be free of fear from all forms of violence and feel safe as they go about their lives whatever their ethnicity, faith or sexual orientation.

Stories that contributed to the 80 years of the conflicts not escalating globally. Thus we encourage members to find stories in local history about preventing conflict escalation in peaceful times. Stories about people who noticed the struggles of the suppressed and the conflicts they encountered. As they intervened the conflict reduced allowing society to progress their lives without further conflicts. Developing a society that is sustainable because of peace.

Physical memorial spaces

One of the most important aspects of the project is generating physical memorial spaces as they should be the catalyst of prolonged awareness building.

We encourage members to prepare anything within the following options, but they may work out other solutions themselves:

• Planting 80 trees or other plants in a dedicated area
• Any plants can be used but bearing in mind that long-term establishment is encouraged. Depending on the climate, general cemetery development plans and other locally important aspects, members can develop their own ideas.
• However it is important to mark the area with a dedicated visible plaque(s) that highlight the project and its digital channels.
• Members may combine this with the Peace tree project.
• Number of plants can be lower.
• Dedicating an area to the project
• Even in absence of the possibilities to plant new plants, already existing areas can be used. Positioning a plaque or other installation in the area highlighting the project and its digital channels.
• This could be particularly useful in cases of abandoned areas that may not serve for burials in the future (due to urbanism and other changes). Or else in the tree avenues that already exist and could be named as Gardens of 80.
• Even including some artistic installations is encouraged in such areas.

Please note again that any other creative solution is highly encouraged and welcome. The important aspects are that the space is in open space with plants and has a visible project plaque or other attribution.

Events

Members are encouraged to prepare and execute events with high media impact. In this manner ASCE proposes events that:

• have a clear promotional message to celebrate exceptional stories that promote goal 16 of the UN agenda 2030
• should clearly state that many events on sustaining peace happen in peaceful times (it is not about war heroes)
• incorporate United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development especially the goal 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions)
• include schools and other institutions which help maintain justice for all

Overall there may be several events throughout the 2025 which help society understand the development of the garden itself - from planting trees to inauguration of the plaque or monument or other activities.

Do consider inviting the related institutions which may have interest in the project itself - courts, legal associations, universities, NGOs or other organisations.

It is of the highest importance that the project and event is strictly devoted to the promotion of peace sustainability activities. Rather than war, the vocabulary of the activities should be peace. Rather than 80 years since WW2, we should impose 80 years of peace stories.

Aligning with WDEC (Week of Discovering European Cemeteries)

The initiative Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe is a multi-year project devoted to promoting the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

So in the following years we will encourage members to devote their activities within WDEC to various UN agenda goals.

While our WDEC focus in 2025 will be Gardens of 80, members can continue working on 2024 focus - goal 11 (Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable) if they find that more suitable for them.

Project outline

The ASCE presidency will prepare and work on the dedicated project page by gathering and promoting member’s activities.

In the beginning of 2025 a call for stories will be launched where members will be able to apply with their proposed activities. For the call please prepare the following (in English):

• Title of your activity
• Short description
• Extended description
• 1-3 high quality photos
• Important event(s)
• Event title
• Date and time
• Cemetery in which activity will take place
• (optional) Link to event details
• Tags (person, year, plants names, symbols…)
• (optional) Link to your dedicated webpage or social media profile including more information

Best activities will be awarded and presented as the best practice examples in AGM 2025 and at other ASCE events.

All Saints Day 2024: Cultural activities in Barcelona

For this year's All Saints Day, Cementiris de Barcelona organized unique events at city cemeteries.

First night route at Sarrià Cemetery

The Sarrià Cemetery night route was offered for the first time, allowing visitors to discover one of the lesser-known cemeteries in Barcelona. 

Through remarkable pantheons, participants learn about the history of the ancient town of Sarrià and its connection to Barcelona. We also learned about notable figures from the worlds of culture and science who have made their mark on history, along with other fascinating details about one of the city’s smallest cemeteries. 

The walkway was marked with candles.

Live Music of Cors Clavé

On 1 November, at 11:30 a.m., a concert was held in homage to Josep Anselm Clavé, with the choirs Agrupació Coral La Pau from Barcelona and SC Les Veus de la Virreina from Tiana performing at Clavé's tomb in Poblenou Cemetery.

Mexican altar at Poblenou Cemetery

Mexican funeral traditions are culturally rich, and Mexican altars play an important role in households to commemorate deceased family members. A Mexican altar was organized in memory of Josep Anselm Clavé on the 150th anniversary of his death.

The tree of remembrance

We invited everyone who visits the Poblenou Cemetery to hang a card with a message for a loved one they would like to remember and pay tribute to.

Inauguration of the exhibition "Cementiris Tàpies"

"Cementiri Tàpies" is part of an artistic and educational project that combines artistic creation with arts education, paying tribute to Antoni Tàpies, a renowned artist closely connected to the city of Barcelona.

The exhibition "Cementiri Tàpies" is part of the international "Cementiris" project by artist Ricard Huerta. The aim is to highlight cemeteries as valuable heritage sites, emphasizing heritage education. The creative aspect addresses the need for university students to engage with these sites, rich in heritage and memory.

At each location where the exhibition and publication are presented, a universal figure is chosen to represent the theme. Antoni Tàpies, a key figure for Barcelona and an influential artist and theorist, serves as this figure. Ricard Huerta’s paintings are based on Tàpies' writings, particularly passages that reference death, cemeteries, and memory, integrating Tàpies into the "Cementiris" project. This exhibition not only reaches students but also engages the public, making it a tribute to Tàpies.

The exhibition opened on October 25 at 4 p.m. and will be available for viewing until January 12, before moving to Les Corts Cemetery and eventually to Poblenou Cemetery.

Call for book chapters

Julie Rugg (University of York) and David Ocón (Singapore Management University) invite you to contribute your insights and expertise on cemeteries as heritage sites, the impacts of cemetery tourism, and sustainable practices in cemetery management.

About the book

Julie Rugg (University of York) and David Ocón (Singapore Management University) are co-editing a text for Boydell and Brewer’s  "Heritage Matters" series and are issuing a call for chapter proposals. 

The themes can include:

• the cemetery as a locale for tangible and intangible funeral heritage;
• the principles of cemetery interpretation;
• the emotional, social and economic impact of cemetery tourism;
• contested sites, where the site’s purpose desire for preservation is compromised by the site’s purpose; and
• the interaction between funeral heritage and sustainable development.

A fuller rationale for the text sits below.

Funerary Heritage

Funerary heritage comprises tangible and intangible evidence of ways in which past societies have come to an accommodation with mortality. This text focuses on the considerable funeral heritage associated with cemeteries and other places of interment. 

Over the past thirty years, interest in such sites as heritage assets has expanded substantially, provoking similar substantial growth in cemetery tourism. Cemeteries draw local, national and even international audiences, creating demand for interpretative elements: tours, signage, apps and websites. However, literature making a case for the heritagization of cemeteries pays very little attention to the inherent contradictions and tensions that lie within that process. This text seeks to reframe cemetery heritage as a critical field of study, addressing its multifaceted dimensions, including the intersection of preservation, interpretation, and sustainable development. 

This text will draw together chapters from an international array of scholars, defining critical issues for cemetery heritage, and, in doing so, reframe this area of academic study as a more vibrant arena for critical analysis.

The book will explore five substantive and interconnected themes mentioned above.

Chapter proposals

Please submit a 250-word abstract by November 30th, 2024.

The deadline for completed chapters is September 2025. The chapters will have an 8.000-word limit and will be blind peer reviewed. The text will include academic contributions from across the globe, and all submissions must be in English.

Send abstracts to: julie.rugg@york.ac.uk or davidocon@smu.edu.sg.

You can find the original call for chapters HERE.

November 2, 2024 “Cemeteries tell their stories”

Activities to enhance the value of Italian cemeteries on the occasion of the Commemoration of the deceased.

On the occasion of the Commemoration of the deceased, the Italian cemeteries that are members of the Technical Table for Cultural and Tourist Enhancement of SEFIT Utilitalia have once again highlighted the important educational function their cemeteries play in preserving history, values, art, and the legacy of key figures from a particular era in our society.

Sometimes, they are defined as open-air museums due to the architecture and art forms they contain, such as busts, statues, epigraphs honoring heroes of the past, and more frequently than in today's cities, also celebrating ladies, women, and heroines who, through their courage, kindness, or philanthropy, show us the value of looking forward by reading the signs of the past, preserved for us in cemeteries.

For this special occasion, an interactive poster entitled “Cemeteries tell their stories” is published on the website www.Sefit.org, consisting of a series of buttons that launch visual content with the intention of presenting the following cemeteries: Monumental of Trento, Verano of Rome, Staglieno of Genoa, Monumental of Milan, Certosa of Bologna, Monumental of Turin, Certosa of Ferrara, Monumental of Andria and Mantua.

Here is the link to the interactive poster.

ASCE President at the all-Slovenian Cultural Routes meeting

On October 10, 2024, ASCE president, Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, participated at the all-Slovenian meeting of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, organized by the Faculty of Tourism at the University of Maribor.

34th Days of European Cultural Heritage

Between September 28 and October 12, 2024, a series of events took place in numerous locations throughout Slovenia and its neighboring regions as part of the 34th Days of European Cultural Heritage and the 12th Cultural Heritage Week. This year's theme was "Heritage of Cultural Routes, Networking, and Connections."

Roundtable discussion: Connecting for Peace and Intercultural Cooperation

As part of these events, the Faculty of Tourism at the University of Maribor, a member of the Academic Network of Cultural Routes, organized an all-Slovenian meeting of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe. This event was held on October 10, 2024, in Ljubljana, and featured a roundtable discussion titled "Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe – Connecting for Peace and Intercultural Cooperation." The meeting was also intended for discussions about the knowledge and competencies needed for cultural and thematic routes in Slovenia.

At the round table, Mrs Irena Marš from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia was joined by representatives of two Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe coordinated from Slovenia: Mrs Lidija Pliberšek from the European Cemeteries Route, and Mrs Andreja Rihter from the Women Writers' Route. The fourth participant was Mr Edvard Kovač, representing the Saint Martin of Tours Route, the first Slovenian route to receive the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe certification.

You can find the official PR statement about the event (in Slovenian) at this LINK.

European Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe

Mrs Lidija Pliberšek, president of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE), spoke about the importance of cemeteries in building peace. Military cemeteries play a central role in this by reminding us of the tragedies, horrors, and suffering caused by wars. Additionally, cemeteries serve as a reminder of equality in death, emphasizing the respect for diversity, and the European Cemeteries Route plays an active role in this context.

ASCE president also introduced the Significant Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe initiative, launched by the Association in 2024 to support the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As part of the initiative, the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2024 focused on environmental sustainability and climate change, with events and activities showcasing how cemeteries and visitors can contribute to reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, this project received the Best Practice Award 2024, granted by the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in September 2024.

Event highlights:

*The content is partially excerpted from the PR statement by Dr. Maja Turnšek.

European Cemeteries Route received the Best Practice Award 2024

The award-winning initiative was Week of Discovering European Cemeteries: Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change.

Best Practice Award 2024

At the 13th Annual Advisory Forum of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, held in Budapest, Hungary, from 25 to 27 September 2024, six Cultural Routes received the "Best Practice Award" for promoting cultural heritage.

Among them, the European Cemeteries Route was recognized for its focus on Cultural Tourism and Sustainable Development. The award-winning initiative, titled "Week of Discovering European Cemeteries: Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change," encouraged ASCE and European Cemeteries Route members to organize over 30 events in 22 cemeteries across seven European countries. These events emphasized the role of cemeteries as green spaces and promoted sustainable practices. Activities included guided tours, exhibitions, and open calls for sustainable improvements.

For more information about the award ceremony and the other winners, please visit this LINK.

European Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe

The theme for the 2024 Week of Discovering European Cemeteries, "Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change," was developed as part of the ASCE initiative "Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe," launched in 2024 to promote the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

Details of the initiative and the WDEC 2024 examples of good practice can be found HERE.

Invitation to the 3rd Virtual Colloquium on cemeteries

The Cemetery Research Group invites you to participate in the 3rd Virtual Colloquium on cemeteries, taking place on 15th November 2024 via Zoom.

About the event

On Friday, 15th November 2024, a virtual colloquium organized by the Cemetery Research Group will take place via the Zoom platform.

The main theme is cemeteries and death practices, focusing on how burial and commemoration customs intersect with social, cultural, and political changes across different countries and historical periods. Speakers from around the world will address a range of subjects, including the transformation of funeral practices, the architectural and legal aspects of cemeteries, and the evolving role of cemeteries in urban settings.

This year's keynote speaker is professor Andrew Kipnis, who has written extensively on funeral practices in China. His presentation, titled "Ghosts, Urbanization, and Strangers in China and Hong Kong", will offer insightful perspectives on these themes.

The full programme with the list of speakers and their topics is available HERE.

Registration details

Attendance at the virtual colloquium is free of charge, but registration is required to secure your spot and receive Zoom invitations to the sessions you wish to attend.

To register, please complete the form at this LINK. Deadline for registration is 8th November 2023.

For any additional questions, please contact Dr. Julie Rugg at julierugg36@gmail.com.

*Photo source: https://www.cemeteryresearch.org/events/

Study day and book presentation of Memento Mori III: The Sustainable Cemetery

You are cordially invited to the study day and book presentation of Memento Mori III, which will take place on October 24, 2024, in Nossegem, Belgium.

Study day and book presentation

The Memento Mori III project managers invite you to participate in a study day and the presentation of the book Memento Mori III: The Sustainable Cemetery. The event will take place on October 24, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM in Nossegem, Belgium.

Participation is free of charge, but due to limited seating, registration is required. Please register by emailing boekvoorstelling@memento-mori.be.

You can find the event program and additional information HERE.

About the book

Memento Mori III: The Sustainable Cemetery, edited by Tamara Ingels and Joeri Mertens, is the latest book in the Memento Mori series.

This book offers insights into historical research, heritage, green cemeteries, and the funerary landscape, all while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The authors share knowledge and practical experiences, providing sustainable tips for readers. Memento Mori III seeks to engage readers in the sustainability debate surrounding cemeteries, fostering ongoing growth, development, and reflection on these critical topics.

The book will be available for purchase at the event, or you can order it online. More details about the book project can be found at this LINK.