The economic crisis has certainly taken its toll on the amount of people being buried at the Motril cemetery. As we all know, there is nothing more certain in life than taxes and death (and getting a few odd parking tickets along the way). Yes, we are going to talk about what you really don’t want to talk about and possibly what you really don’t like to think about! Someone has to do it though.
Motril cemetery in past years has been dealing with at least one burial a day but the figures in 2009 have dropped by a third. Either no one is dying and hanging on by their fingernails against the Grim Reaper’s clutches or they have decided that a traditional burial with all the bells and whistles to see them off this mortal coil have just become far too expensive.
A big factor on the burial rates dropping might be the news recently received that the cemetery is to be extended by another 400 places and will be situated next to the garbage dump at the back of Motril. This really does give you the heebie-jeebies to think that your final resting place will be next to lorries stacked with rubbish arriving day and night … you could end up next to the discarded washing machines and dishwashers, ready to be re-cycled. Not exactly a peaceful finale.
Being cremated seems to be the in-thing for the Spanish these days and cremations are getting more popular yearly. However, the crematorium recently built in Motril has its planning problems and has not received permission to open for business. Whether you are buried or cremated here it is a costly business and perhaps you might think that the costs could be better spent by being passed on to your next of kin or would be particularly beneficial to anyone who doesn’t have the 4,000 euros or so handy. There is a solution for some people who feel so inclined … donate your body to the University of Granada.
A totally different concept from organ donation and far less costly for whoever might end up with your funeral bill. All you have to do is ring the University on 958 271 746 and ask them to send you their form which you then fill in, supply a photo of yourself, copy of your NIE, get it witnessed and return it. You will then be sent a card to keep with you and, when you do pop your clogs, up to Granada you go with all expenses paid.