Death's in Spain
Here is a little rundown of what happens when someone dies, remember that in differing proveniences things are different, but most run along the same lines. If you have the time and read all this you will find that all your questions are answered except the cost, which can vary from Undertaker to undertaker.
Informing the authorities
If your relative, partner or friend dies in hospital, the hospital authorities will take care of the administrative details. If the death occursat home you should contact the municipal police (Policía Municipal) who will in turn advise the Forensic Judge (Juez Forense) who will have to come to the home to authorise the removal of the body. If the deceased had been receiving medical care and had been recently seen by his/her own doctor (medico), you should also contact him/her. An autopsy is not necessary unless the Forensic Judge or the deceased’s doctor is in any doubt as to the cause of death.
However, in both instances, you will have to make the funeral arrangements. In Spain, the undertakers (pompas fúnebres) are licensed by the competent authority. You should contact the local undertaker (if you do not know the contact details, your local Consulate will help you in this respect) with regard to making the necessary arrangements in accordance with your wishes.
Funeral arrangements. Normally in Spain funerals are held within 24 hours of death but they can be delayed to allow for family or friends to arrive. In this case the body will be kept in a morgue at additional cost. Although all arrangements will be organised by the undertaker, you will have to decide the details. Before meeting the undertaker, consider such points as:
a. Whether the body is to be clothed in any particular way for burial
b. Whether any personal jewelery is to be removed from the body
c. Whether the deceased had made any particular requests in respect to the arrangements.
d. Whether the deceased had funeral insurance.
e. Whether the body is to be 'laid out'.
f. Whether the body is to be available for viewing for about 12 – 18 hours before the funeral (velatorio)
In Spain a coffin is normally placed in a recess known as a niche (nicho). The cost of purchasing a niche is determined by its position in the group. The highest is the cheapest and the middle the most expensive. Costs vary from location to location and should be discussed with the respective undertaker. There are no hard and fast rules. In some localities you can buy a niche, in others you can make a one-off payment which covers the rent in perpetuity whilst in others the rental is on a five-year renewable basis. Failure to pay the rent results in the removal of the coffin from the niche and the bones being put in a common ossury.
In some circumstances, funerals may be obtained for a low price by the use of a common grave. In cases of great need and depending on the local authority, it may be possible to get this service free of charge providing it is authorised by a local social worker. Cremation is also an option (although not all locations have a crematorium) and once again, costs vary from location to location. There is a small charge if you want the ashes deposited in a common depository
Paperwork
The death certificate, issued by the Civil Registry (Registro Civil) at the Court Building (Juzgado) is usually available within two to three days. In some towns it will be issued at the offices of the local Justice of the Peace (Juzgado de Paz). Remember to ask for as many original copies (copias originales) as you will need.
Useful vocabulary
¿Sabes que se ha muerto tu vecino? - Have you heard that your neighbour died?
¿Cuándo es el entierro? - When is the funeral?
La misa es a las 11, en la capilla del cementerio - The mass is at 11, in the cemetery chapel
El cadaver está en el tanatorio - The body is in the morgue
No sé que decirte - I don’t know what to say
Te acompaño en el sentimiento - I am very sorry (stock phrase = “I feel for you”)
Era una buena mujer/un buen hombre - She was a good woman/good man
Su marido está destrozado - Her husband is devastated
Por fin ha descansado, sufrió mucho - He/she is at rest at last, he/she suffered a lot
En paz descanse - May she/he rest in peace
Está con el Señor - She/he is with the Lord
¿Qué van a hacer con las cenizas? - What are they going to do with the ashes?
La familia tiene un columbario - The family has a niche for the urn
El duelo/el velatorio - The act of mourning, the vigil, wake
El ataúd - The coffin
Pompas fúnebres/funeraria - Funeral services
Poner una esquela en el periódico - Put a notice in the paper
Dar el pésame - To offer condolences
Estar de luto - To be in mourning
Quiero enviar una corona - I’d like to send a wreath.
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