"Very cheerful cemeteries" Top 5 Page for this destination Italy Local Custom Tip by Trekki

If only more countries would have such colourful cemeteries like in Italy – the deceased would definitely be more happy! One example is of course famous San Michele, the cemetery of Venezia la Serenissima. Like here, the cemeteries are usually divided into several sections, according to the type of graves and the religious beliefs. Many graves are decorated not only with a photo of the beloved ones but also with marvellous statues, often referring to his or her life. And then of course there are the typical colourful “mass” graves, with very little space but a lot of decoration, usually plastic flowers and photos and small objects and electrical lamps, often as a flame, related to the beloved ones. The deceased play an important role for the religious Italians, that’s why November 1 and 2, ognissanti and giorno dei morti, are celebrated. In a way this reminds me of Mexico. During this time, each region has its local specialities in the pastry shops, for example the fave dei morti (last photo) in Umbria. Chrysanthemums are being brought to the graves, in yellow and white.

Many monumental cemeteries in Italy are famous and guided tours are being offered. I think the most famous one is the huge Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno (in Genova) and Cimitero Campo Verano in Roma.

© Ingrid D., April 2011 (just in case, RickS or others come along and think they can steal texts).