Nov 1. Italy is witnessing a significant transformation in funeral practices as cremation increasingly becomes the preferred choice for Italians. Once considered an unconventional option, cremation now reflects broader cultural shifts as the country moves away from traditional burial practices long upheld by Catholic customs.
According to data from Utilitalia SEFIT, an organization monitoring Italy’s funeral sector, the number of cremations in Italy surged to 252,075 in 2023, comprising 38% of total deaths. This marks a notable rise from less than 3% in 1995 when data collection on cremation began. The shift is attributed to changing attitudes toward religion, a more secular society, and the lower costs associated with cremation.
Historically, the Catholic Church promoted traditional burial as the proper way to honor the deceased. Cremation, once seen as contrary to religious and family customs, has steadily gained acceptance. In 1963, the Church officially sanctioned Christian funerals for those who choose cremation, permitting ashes to be stored in sacred places like churches or cemeteries.
“This is why we say that cremation is now a choice shared with family and loved ones,” said Cristina Vargas, scientific director at Fondazione Fabretti, a foundation dedicated to studies on death and funerary practices. “Many years ago, it was often seen as a way to go against family traditions.”
Cremation also appeals for practical reasons. Maintaining an ash urn in a cemetery niche is simpler and less time-consuming than the upkeep required for a traditional burial. “Routine visits to cemeteries stopped being a weekly or monthly activity as we now live in a society that has less of a penchant to engage with the realm of death,” noted Alessandro Gusman, Cultural Anthropology professor at the University of Turin.
For many families, cremation also represents a more affordable option. Cremation fees, often regulated by Italy’s Health Ministry, reached a maximum of €731 ($788) in 2023, significantly less than traditional burial expenses, which can run into thousands due to coffin and land costs. In most cases, Italian law mandates the disinterment of bodies from cemetery slots, either above or below ground, after 10 to 20 years. This process, which often brings further emotional distress to relatives, can be avoided through cremation.
While All Souls’ Day on November 2 remains a dedicated time for families to visit gravesites, fewer Italians regularly visit cemeteries throughout the year. This trend highlights a shift in the way Italians now engage with death, choosing cremation not only for its practical benefits but as a reflection of evolving cultural norms.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
