THANOS
BEST FRIENDS
UNTIL THE VERY END?
COLOMBIA’S
FUNERAL SECTOR
GET READY FOR
THE 2026 FIAT-IFTA
GLOBAL CONVENTION
ADVANCED THANATOPRAXY
TRAINING ARRIVES IN MEXICO!
114
MAGAZINE
2/2026
The World Organization of Funeral Operatives
Dear FIAT-IFTA Members,
e only have a few months left until our General
Assembly, and I’m excited to share a few details
as we begin the countdown. As customary, the
gathering will be held in the country of the President.
This year, our meetings will take place in conjunction
with the NFDA International Convention & Expo in
Charlotte, North Carolina, here in the United States.
It is a convenient location with great air access, and it
also gives us the chance to connect with colleagues
from across the profession who will be attending the
broader convention.
Our ICD meeting will be held on Monday, October
26th, followed by the General Session on Tuesday. I am
looking forward to hosting everyone and to welcoming
both long-time participants and first-time attendees.
Registration will open on June 1st, and I encourage
you to register early so you can secure your preferred
hotel and make travel plans with confidence. If you
are bringing questions, proposals, or items you
would like to see on the agenda, please share them
in advance so we can make the best use of our time
together. The strength of our Assembly comes from
active participation, and your ideas help keep our work
relevant and forward-looking.
As for me, I am looking forward to seeing many
members – or, by the time this is published, having
already seen many of you – at the various conventions
and meetings I am attending in Europe and Asia.
Every event offers formal education, of course, but
I continue to believe that the conversations between
attendees are just as valuable. Hearing how colleagues
are approaching staffing, training, family expectations,
facilities, and new cultural needs gives me practical
insight that no single program can provide. Please
don’t hesitate to introduce yourself if we cross paths;
I welcome the chance to listen, learn, and bring your
perspectives back into our shared work
Coming up soon is the BEFA Forum in Düsseldorf,
where FIAT-IFTA’s Education Committee will host an
exhibit entitled A Manifesto of Visibility and Voice. The
exhibit is designed to illuminate both the challenges
and the triumphs that shape women’s professional
and personal lives in funeral service. By highlighting
women’s perspectives in a field that has often been
male dominated, we hope to foster dialogue, spark
change, and celebrate the essential labor women
perform every day – whether they are leading firms,
serving families, managing care, or mentoring the next
generation.
The display will include submissions of photography,
painting, collage, and short videos from contributors
in more than 13 countries. I’m especially pleased that
it brings together voices from different cultures while
focusing on shared experiences – visibility, recognition,
and professional opportunity. In the United States,
a new hire in funeral service is increasingly likely to be
a woman under 25, and similar trends are emerging in
many regions. Exhibits like this help us reflect on how
our workplaces, education pathways, and leadership
structures can evolve to support the people who are
shaping the future of our profession. If you can make
it to the BEFA Forum, I hope you will take time to visit
the exhibit and enjoy the conversations it inspires.
William C. Wappner
FIAT-IFTA President
William C. Wappner
FIAT-IFTA President
THANOS MAGAZINE
THANOS magazine, the official magazine of FIAT-IFTA
Editor-in-Chief: Katarzyna Supa, e-mail: fiatifta-magazine@thanos.org
Editorial Office: FIAT-IFTA – The World Organization of Funeral Operatives,
Pascallaan 24, 8218 NJ Lelystad – NL
Design & DTP: PRZECINEK.studio
All materials are copyrighted. Reprinting and use of materials require
permission from the FIAT-IFTA Office. Editors reserve the right to shorten texts
and change the titles of submitted materials. FIAT-IFTA Office is not liable
for the content of advertisements and promotional materials.
Feel invited to create the Thanos Magazine together with us and advertise your products and services: fiatifta-magazine@thanos.org
Photo from the private resources of William C. Wappner
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 114 – 2/2026
Let’s welcome new members
of FIAT-IFTA
We are happy to welcome 15 new members of our organization! Since February 2026,
we have been joined by 3 Active Members and 12 Associate Members.
Please welcome:
Active Members:
• Pompes Funebres Caton, France
• SIAF, France
• Souveneo, France
Associate Members:
• Coffins Store Monika Wadowska, Poland
• Dom Pogrzebowy W. Rutkowski, Poland
• Ecograve AS, Norway
• Golden Horseshoe Services Ltd., Canada
• L.P. Martin Fuenral Home, Jamaica
• MAHONIJA d.o.o., Croatia
• Malcom Ong (Embalmer), Singapore
• Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals, Canada
• Pompes Funebres Le Repos Celeste, Cameroon
• Protanato Indústria e Comércio de Produtos e Equipamentos Funerários Ltda., Brazil
• Raj prevoz d.o.o, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• SC CRINUL GOLD SRL, Romania
If you wish to learn more about each member please visit www.thanos.org .
If you wish to expand your network to enhance the global exposure
of your services, apply for FIAT-IFTA Membership by sending an e-mail
at info@thanos.org .
William “Bill” Wappner Honoured
for 50+ Years of Service to Funeral Profession
On April 28, at the 146th Ohio Funeral Directors
Association Convention and Exhibition, FIAT-IFTA
President, Mr. William “Bill” Wappner was recognized
alongside a distinguished group of Ohio funeral
directors for an incredible milestone – over 50 years
of dedicated service to the funeral profession.
Bill’s career has been defined by compassion,
integrity, and his commitment to the community
he has served. Beyond his work, he has been a
passionate advocate for funeral service, helping
to uphold and advance the standards of care and
professionalism across our industry.
We are deeply proud to celebrate this well-
deserved recognition. His legacy continues to
inspire all of us.
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No. 114 – 2/2026 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Breaking Silence, Building Visibility
“A Manifesto of Visibility and Voice” Exhibition in Düsseldorf
This June, the international funeral industry
will witness a landmark event as the exhibition
“A Manifesto of Visibility and Voice” debuts at the
BEFA Forum. Running from 4-6 June 2026, this
global initiative by FIAT-IFTA aims to redefine the
narrative of women in the funeral profession.
The exhibition is the culmination of a worldwide
call to action, inviting women across the funeral
sector to document their lived experiences
through creative expression. It brings together
authentic stories and artistic voices that reveal
the full reality of women’s work in funeral care
– the meaningful, the complex, and too often,
the unseen. The exhibition shines a long-
overdue spotlight on the essential contributions
women make to funerals, memorialization, and
bereavement support worldwide.
Through photography, painting, collage, and
short video, women from all over 13 countries
explore their journeys, challenges, insights, and
achievements demonstrating how creativity
can open space for reflection, recognition,
and dialogue where it is most needed. With
honesty, perspective, and the courage to be
visible.
Alison Crake, Project Lead and Curator says:
A Manifesto of Visibility and Voice is grounded in the
lived experience of women working within funeral
and death care. The exhibition brings together
personal narratives that speak not only to pride,
purpose and professional commitment, but also
to complexity, exclusion and moments of being
unseen. By centring the woman herself – her voice,
perspective and experience – the Manifesto offers
a collective act of individual truth, recognition and
reflection.
Visitors will experience over 40 artworks from
across the globe, with contributions from Brazil,
Canada, Ireland, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway,
Peru, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain,
the United Kingdom and the United States
– each offering a unique and deeply personal
perspective.
This exhibition is a strong statement serving as
a catalyst for industry-wide dialogue. Attendees
of the BEFA Forum are invited to experience
this unique collection firsthand; it is a rare
opportunity to witness the intersection of
professional excellence and personal artistry on
a global scale. Don’t miss it!
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 114 – 2/2026
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Join International Thanatopraxy
Program in Mexico City
An advanced international training program in
thanatopraxy will take place in Mexico City from
October 20 to 23, marking a new step in the global
expansion of specialized funeral education. The
initiative is organized in collaboration with FIAT-IFTA
and Sortem, and will be hosted at the facilities of
J. García López.
Designed as an intensive four-day program, the
training will focus on hands-on learning through
real-case scenarios. Participants will complete 32
hours of in-person instruction, developing skills
in arterial injection, fluid control, cavity treatment,
reconstruction techniques, and aesthetic preparation.
In addition, real-life scenarios will be addressed,
including traumatic cases, autopsies, and different
stages of decomposition, offering a comprehensive
and applied perspective on advanced thanatopraxy.
Beyond technical expertise, the program emphasizes
ethical responsibility and professional sensitivity in
the care of the deceased, highlighting the balance
between precision and human values in funeral
practice.
The training is designed for small groups (around
10 participants), ensuring close guidance and a
personalized experience.
For more information or to register for the training,
please contact us at global-education@thanos.org
ASF as a Driving Force for
Change in the Romanian
Funeral Sector
FIAT-IFTA was honoured to accept the invitation of
Catalin Dodu, CEO, and Andrei Cristea, President of the
Romanian Funeral Services Association (ASF), to attend
and present at the Association’s recent General Assembly
and Expo Funeral 2026 in Bucharest, Romania.
Established in 2020, the Romanian Funeral Services
Association was founded with the goal of creating
a professional organisation dedicated exclusively to
representing authorised funeral service providers
and raising the standards of the funeral industry at a
European level. Since its inception, ASF has committed
itself to promoting transparency, compliance with
legislation, and the development of a united national
network of professionals. Today, ASF is a proud
national member of FIAT-IFTA.
Representing FIAT-IFTA at the event were Vice President
Mr. Johan Dexters and Immediate Past President
Mr. Marek Cichewicz, who attended the second
edition of Expo Funeral 2026 and participated in the
ASF General Assembly. During his address, Mr. Dexters
emphasised the shared values of the profession:
“We all share the same mission: to support families with
dignity, professionalism, and humanity. […] Let us continue
to strengthen one another – within Romania, within
Europe, and across the world – by sharing knowledge,
supporting each other, and remaining open to new ideas.
[…] I look to the future with confidence and hope – a future
in which we continue to get to know each other better and
can truly rely on one another.”
Expo Funeral 2026 brought together funeral
service operators, manufacturers, suppliers, and
representatives of related sectors, creating a
professional environment dedicated to modern
funeral services. The event served as a meeting point
where innovation, experience, and partnerships
came together to help shape the future of the funeral
profession.
FIAT-IFTA is proud to continue strengthening its
relationships with national associations such as
ASF and to support collaboration, professional
development, and international exchange across the
global funeral community.
from left: Mr. Andrei Cristea, President of the
Romanian Funeral Services Association (ASF) and
Mr. Johan Dexters Vice President of FIAT-IFTA
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No. 114 – 2/2026 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Asfuncat Celebrated Patron
Saint Day with Sector Meeting
in Tarragona
The Association of Funeral Service Companies
of Catalonia (Asfuncat) marked the feast day of
its patron saint, Saint Joseph of Arimathea, with
a professional gathering held in Tarragona and
hosted this year by the Tarragona Funeral Home.
The event brought together more than 50 funeral
professionals, offering a valuable opportunity to
strengthen relationships across the sector and
exchange experiences in a relaxed and collegial
setting.
The programme began with a welcome breakfast
at Casa Joan Miret, followed by a visit to Tarragona
Cathedral, where a mass was held in honour
of Saint Joseph of Arimathea. After the
service, attendees took part in a guided tour
of the Cathedral, exploring its most significant
architectural and historical features. The day
continued with a cultural programme focused
on Tarragona’s Roman heritage. Participants
were first received at a municipal venue, where
they attended a presentation on the evolution
of Tarraco, including an immersive mapping
experience. This was followed by a guided tour
of the city’s main Roman landmarks, including
the ancient walls, the Forum Square, the Roman
circus, the amphitheatre, the Praetorium Tower
and a scale model of Roman Tarraco. The event
concluded with a networking lunch at Casa Joan
Miret, providing a fitting close to a well-received
and engaging day.
Asfuncat highlighted the value of this annual
gathering, which combines tradition, cultural
insight and professional cohesion, helping to
strengthen connections within the funeral sector
in Catalonia. The association reaffirmed its
commitment to continuing this well-established
event, now a key date in the sector’s calendar.
The Association of Funeral Service Companies of
Catalonia (Asfuncat) was founded in 1957 with
the aim of becoming the representative voice
of the funeral sector across Catalonia. Today,
the association brings together 45 companies,
both public and private, representing 95% of
funeral services in Catalonia and employing 1,293
professionals
More information about Asfuncat can be found at
the website asfun.cat .
Photo: Asfuncat Press Service
MEMBERS’ NEWS
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 114 – 2/2026
ADVERTISEMENT
Grupo Albia to recognize the most sustainable international initiatives
Grupo Albia, part of Grupo Santalucía has
opened the call for the third edition of the Albia
Sustainability Awards, aimed at recognizing and
promoting projects with a positive impact on
society and the environment. This year, for the
first time, the awards include an international
category, allowing global projects to participate,
thus expanding the reach and exchange of best
practices on a global scale.
Daniel Palacios, CEO of Grupo Albia, explained
that “as drivers of an essential change in our
sector, our commitment is to guide it toward a
more ethical, human, and sustainable model.
We are excited to discover what this new edition of
the awards will bring, which has already become a
true reference both inside and outside our borders.
We are convinced that the projects presented will
continue to promote, year after year, key aspects
such as innovation and social awareness.”
For his part, Carlos Gallego, Director of
Sustainability, Communication, and Marketing
at Grupo Albia, highlighted that “with this
third edition, we are taking another step in the
consolidation of an award that was born with
a clear transformative vocation. Our goal is to
continue generating a space where innovative and
committed proposals are recognized, capable of
improving the impact on the environment and
people, and inspiring new ways to accompany and
say goodbye.”
Grupo Albia is one of the leading funeral
services companies in Spain, with more than
250 centres across the country. The group, the
most highly rated by families for their funeral
farewells, manages an extensive network of
funeral homes, crematoriums, and cemeteries,
as well as floristry businesses and a marble
transformation factory. Additionally, it has a fleet
of approximately 480 vehicles and employs over
1,400 professionals who provide personalized
and high-quality care to more than 6 million
people each year.
Success of previous editions and
notable participation
Throughout previous editions, the Albia
Sustainability Awards have achieved remarkable
success, with nearly 300 projects submitted and
more than 600 people attending the various events
it has organized, including business leaders and
representatives from different sectors. Among the
organizations recognized in previous editions are
prestigious institutions such as the 'Cris contra
el cáncer’ association for its support of cancer
research; Radio Televisión Española (RTVE) for its
contribution to sustainability awareness; and the
Spanish Military Emergency Unit (UME) for its work
in fires, floods, earthquakes, and humanitarian
crises. These and other organizations have
demonstrated a tangible commitment to
sustainability and social responsibility.
Photo: Grupo Albia Press Service
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No. 114 – 2/2026 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Highlights and categories
of the third edition of the awards
The main difference of the third edition of the
Albia Sustainability Awards is the inclusion of an
international category. This change broadens the
scope of the competition, allowing projects from
outside Spain to participate. This year, the awards
aim to recognize global efforts to promote more
responsible and sustainable sectors, encouraging
innovation in environmental, social, and governance
practices. This category will highlight initiatives that
promote decarbonization, the circular economy,
and innovation in sustainable processes.
In addition to the international category, the
recognition of projects in Spain that have shown
a clear commitment to sustainable values is
maintained, whether through efficient management
of natural resources, the implementation of clean
technologies, psychological support in mourning, or
social inclusion.
Participation and registration period
Applications can be submitted from May 25
to July 17, 2026, through an online form
available on the official awards portal:
www.premiosalbiasostenibilidad.com
.
Participants may include individuals, freelancers,
companies, non-profit organizations, and public
and private entities that develop initiatives with
a positive impact or the potential to generate a
positive impact on society and the environment,
particularly in the funeral sector.
A panel of experts in sustainability and the funeral
sector will evaluate the projects and select the
winners, who will be announced at a ceremony
scheduled for November this year. The panel
will consider various factors, such as innovation,
sustainability, social impact, and the potential for
replicability of the projects, to ensure that the
best proposals from each edition are recognized.
Beyond the funeral sector
With this third edition, the awards aim to expand
their international projection and become a global
reference in the recognition of best practices in
sustainability. The inclusion of the international
category will allow projects from other countries
to participate and be showcased, fostering the
exchange of ideas and best practices between
different cultures and contexts. This international
focus also reinforces Grupo Albia's commitment
to global sustainability, providing a platform
to share innovative solutions that benefit
communities, people, and the environment.
The experience of previous editions has
demonstrated the potential of the Albia Sustainability
Awards to inspire tangible changes in the funeral
industry and beyond. In past editions, projects
that have stood out for their impact on reducing
carbon footprints, using eco-friendly technologies,
and promoting inclusive and responsible business
models have been recognized.
Applications can be submitted from May 25 to July 17, 2026,
through an online form available on the official awards portal:
www.premiosalbiasostenibilidad.com
With this third edition, the
awards aim to expand their
international projection and
become a global reference
in the recognition of best
practices in sustainability.
Photo: Grupo Albia Press Service
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 114 – 2/2026
MEMBERS’ NEWS
GET READY FOR
THE 2026 FIAT-IFTA
GLOBAL CONVENTION
CHARLOTTE, USA, 25-28 OCTOBER 2026
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No. 114 – 2/2026 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
This autumn, the global funeral profession will
turn its attention to Charlotte, where the 18th
Global Convention of FIAT-IFTA and the 55th I.C.D.
Annual Meeting will be proudly hosted by the
National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), in
the vibrant city of Charlotte, North Carolina, USA,
from October 25–28, 2026 in conjunction with the
NFDA International Convention & Expo! More than
a gathering, this year’s event is set to become a
defining moment for the federation’s future direction.
We warmly invite you to attend this gathering,
which transcends borders and unites us in a shared
global commitment to excellence in funeral services.
Together, we will explore new horizons, strengthen
our professional bonds, and shape the future of our
federation.
Charlotte, known as the Queen City, offers a vibrant
arts scene, rich history, and a thriving business
environment, complemented by its natural beauty.
It is a perfect blend of culture, innovation, and
Southern charm – an ideal place to visit and connect.
What’s on the agenda?
The 2026 agenda clearly shifts the focus from
inspiration to decision-making and strategic action.
At its core, the FIAT-IFTA I.C.D. Meeting and General
Assembly will bring members together to debate and
vote on key issues shaping the organization, including
important structural and constitutional matters
approved at the last I.C.D. Meeting in Yokohama,
Japan.
Alongside this, five FIAT-IFTA committee meetings
– Heritage, Global Education, Embalming, Coffin
Standards, and Sustainability – will serve as working
platforms to advance new projects and address the
most pressing challenges across the funeral sector.
Committees will present updates and offer engaging
and informative sessions. Their sessions are
expected to drive practical outcomes and strengthen
collaboration within specialized fields.
A highlight of the programme will be the FIAT-IFTA
Gala, featuring the transfer of presidential insignia
to Johan Dexters from Belgium, marking a significant
leadership transition within the federation.
The event is hosted by the National Funeral Directors
Association (NFDA) and will run in parallel with the
NFDA International Convention & Expo – the world’s
largest funeral industry exhibition, featuring 330
exhibitors, offering unparalleled access to global
trends, innovations, and professional exchange.
For four days, Charlotte will become a hub where
decisions are made, initiatives take shape, and the
future of the profession is actively defined.
As always, optional technical visits to local funeral
operations will be available.
Registration deadline
Please remember that the Early Bird registration
deadline is July 1, while the final registration deadline
is August 24, 2026. Registration will soon be available via
the event’s official website. The registration fee includes
full access to the NFDA International Convention and
Expo, covering the welcome reception, workshops from
Sunday afternoon through Wednesday, entry to the
world’s largest expo hall, keynote sessions, and one
ticket to the FIAT-IFTA Gala. Additional gala tickets and
participation in the technical tour can be purchased
for an extra fee. Payments can be made by credit card
(preferred) or via wire transfer.
Remember to book your hotel
NFDA has secured room blocks at several hotels
near the Charlotte Convention Centre, the venue for
the 2026 FIAT-IFTA Global Convention and the NFDA
International Convention & Expo, offering discounted
rates for attendees. Reservations will soon be available
through the event’s official website. Please note that
the deadline to book your accommodation is
August 24, 2026.
Important dates!
Registration opens:
June 1, 2026
Early Bird deadline:
July 1, 2026
Registration closes:
August 24, 2026
All details regarding the 2026
FIAT-IFTA Global Convention will
soon be available on the event’s
official website.
READ MORE
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 114 – 2/2026
11
MEMBERS’ NEWS
About Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina is a vibrant, welcoming
city that blends Southern charm with modern
energy, making it an appealing destination for
travellers of all ages and interests. Known as
the Queen City, Charlotte offers a mix of culture,
adventure, culinary experiences, and family-
friendly attractions that give visitors plenty to
explore.
Uptown – Charlotte’s walkable city centre – is
home to impressive museums like the NASCAR
Hall of Fame, the Levine Museum of the New
South, and the Mint Museum Uptown. Visitors can
stroll through lively public spaces, admire striking
architecture, and enjoy the city’s growing arts
scene, from murals and galleries to theatres and
live music venues.
For those seeking outdoor activities, Charlotte’s
greenways, urban parks, and nearby lakes offer
abundant opportunities for biking, kayaking, and
relaxing in nature. Thrill-seekers can head to
Carowinds, one of the Southeast’s top amusement
parks, or U.S. National Whitewater Centre, an
outdoor adventure playground with rafting,
ziplining, climbing, and miles of scenic trails.
Charlotte’s food scene continues to shine, offering
everything from traditional Carolina barbecue to
elevated farm-to-table dining and a wide range of
global cuisine. Breweries and craft cocktail bars dot
the city’s neighbourhoods, providing great spots to
unwind after a day of exploring.
Across its diverse districts – such as historic South End,
artsy NoDa, and charming Plaza Midwood – visitors
will find unique shops, local cafes, and lively street
scenes that show off Charlotte’s personality. Whether
traveling for a weekend getaway, a family vacation,
or a longer escape, Charlotte welcomes tourists with
warmth, creativity, and a dynamic spirit that makes
the city feel both exciting and easy to enjoy.
We look forward to meeting you
in Charlotte, USA!
ELITE SPONSOR
ORGANIZER
PLATINUM SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
Discover the amazing partners
of the 2026 FIAT-IFTA Global
Convention in conjunction
with the NFDA International
Convention & Expo.
The World Organization
of Funeral Operatives
12
No. 114 – 2/2026 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
AT GLANCE
2026 FIAT-IFTA Global Convention
in conjunction with the NFDA International Convention & Expo
Charlotte, USA, 25-28 October 2026
In green
– NFDA events, Participation is open
to FIAT-IFTA members
In blue
– FIAT-IFTA members only events
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25
08:00-16:00
Registration
10:00-10:45
First Time Attendee Orientation (By invitation only)
11:00-15:30
Workshops (Optional)
18:00-20:00
Welcome Party
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26
08:00-09:00
Workshops (Optional)
09:00-09:30
First Time Attendee Orientation (By invitation only)
09:15-11:45
Opening Session + Service of Remembrance
12:00-13:00
FIAT-IFTA lunch (By invitation only)
12:00-17:00
NFDA Expo
13:00-16:30
FIAT-IFTA I.C.D. meeting (By invitation only)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27
08:00-10:15
Workshops (Optional)
08:00-09:00
FIAT-IFTA Heritag committee meeting
09:15-10:15
FIAT-IFTA General General Assembly
11:00-12:00
General Session
12:00-17:00
NFDA Expo
12:30-13:30
FIAT-IFTA Global Education committee meeting
13:45-14:45
FIAT-IFTA Embalming committee meeting
15:00-16:00
FIAT-IFTA Sustainability committee meeting
16:30-17:00
Installation of 2026-27 NFDA President & Board of Directors (Optional)
19:15-22:00
FIAT-IFTA Gala (By invitation only)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28
08:00-09:00
Workshops (Optional)
09:00-12:00
NFDA Expo
10:30-11:30
FIAT-IFTA Coffin standards committee meeting
12:15-13:30
Closing General Session
14:00-17:00
International Tour (Additional fee required)
Check out the 2026 FIAT-IFTA Global Convention agenda
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 114 – 2/2026
13
MEMBERS’ NEWS
n Colombia, death does not occur in
a single way; it occurs across many
territories at once. In major cities, funeral
service relies on infrastructure, pre-need
plans, digitalization, and an increasingly
segmented offer. In rural, remote, or
difficult-to-access areas, it also depends on
community networks, complex distances
and deeply rooted cultural practices.
This diversity makes Colombia a relevant case study
for international funeral markets. As in other markets,
the industry combines tradition, adaptation, and
modernization; but in Colombia, this transformation
unfolds across a diverse geography, a strong religious
and community dimension, and a growing need for
reliable and structured information to understand
how the funeral ecosystem actually operates.
For a long time, one of the main limitations to
analysing the sector was the absence of consolidated,
comparable information specifically designed
for its operational reality. Although the National
Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE,
Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística),
Colombia’s official statistics authority, produces vital
information on mortality and population, this data
was not always integrated with institutional records,
business directories, religious information, or
territorial variables specific to funeral service delivery.
In this context, the Centro de Investigación
y Estadística Exequial (CIEX, Funeral Research and
Statistics Centre), a private research, knowledge
and data initiative created by La Ascensión S.A.,
has developed a process of collecting, refining and
technically interpreting information to provide a more
COLOMBIA’S
FUNERAL SECTOR
DATA, TERRITORY AND THE TRANSFORMATION
OF A SILENT INDUSTRY
By Guillermo Chaves, CEO, La Ascensión S.A, Colombia
14
No. 114 – 2/2026 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
structured view of Colombia’s funeral ecosystem.
CIEX identified approximately 1,851 funeral homes,
1,448 cemeteries, 96 cremation facilities and 4,308
churches linked to the country’s funeral and
religious ecosystem. These figures reveal a broad
sector, but also a highly fragmented one: scale exists;
the challenge lies in traceability, actor classification, data
comparability, and territorial interpretation of installed
capacity.
A broad and fragmented market structure
The Colombian funeral market is composed of
multiple types of actors. It includes funeral companies,
cemeteries, cremation operators, religious institutions,
complementary suppliers, public authorities, insurers,
pre-need funeral service providers, and community
organizations. The sector operates as a network of
services whose prices vary by territory.
Direct funeral service provision is mainly carried out by
private operators, particularly funeral homes, business
networks, and pre-need organizations. Cemeteries,
however, may follow different administration models,
including private, community, religious or municipal
structures. Public institutions participate mainly
through statistical production, sanitary regulation,
territorial management, civil registration and, in some
cases, the administration of local infrastructure.
Although information exists on the number and
distribution of the sector’s main actors, there is still
no fully consolidated national classification that
precisely establishes what proportion of funeral
homes, cemeteries and operators corresponds to
public, private, religious, or mixed entities. The lack
of a uniform taxonomy shows the sector still needs
clearer classification standards.
The sectoral characterization developed by CIEX
moves in that direction by taking dispersed sources,
organizing them under comparable criteria, and
turning them into useful inputs for understanding
the sector as a system. This work does not replace
official sources or seek to regulate the market, but it
does help close a historic gap in sectoral knowledge.
Demographics and demand:
a necessary reference
The recent evolution of mortality in Colombia provides
important context, although it should not dominate
the analysis. After the extraordinary impact of the
pandemic, the country entered a phase of relative
normalization, with demand once again associated
with population growth, progressive aging, and urban
concentration.
For 2025, CIEX technical estimates, built from
available official DANE records and projection
exercises, place non-foetal deaths at around
286,316, with a mortality rate close to 5.4 per
thousand inhabitants. This figure should be read
as a preliminary planning reference rather than a
definitive official year-end figure. The trend confirms
the need for better planning based on updated data.
Installed capacity, territorial coverage and operational
readiness require periodic analysis, especially in a
country where demand is not evenly distributed.
Territorial diversity
and operating conditions
Colombia’s funeral reality is deeply shaped by the
country’s geography. Colombia combines large urban
centres, intermediate municipalities, rural areas, island
territories, rainforest regions, and areas with difficult
access. This territorial diversity directly influences
how funeral services are organized, delivered, and
perceived.
In urban environments, greater population
concentration is usually accompanied by a broader
range of services, greater availability of infrastructure
and more segmented operations. By contrast, in rural
or remote territories, service delivery may depend
on more complex logistics, longer distances, less
availability of specialized infrastructure and a closer
relationship between funeral practices, the community
and local traditions.
These differences are a structural feature of the
Colombian market. Colombia’s funeral sector operates
across multiple territorial, cultural and operational
realities. Therefore, any serious analysis of the sector
Colombia’s funeral reality
is deeply shaped by the
country’s geography. Colombia
combines large urban centres,
intermediate municipalities,
rural areas, island territories,
rainforest regions, and areas
with difficult access.
This territorial diversity
directly influences how
funeral services are organized,
delivered, and perceived.
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MEMBERS’ NEWS
must go beyond national averages and consider the
specific conditions under which services are provided
in each region.
At this point, the characterization developed by CIEX
allows Colombia’s funeral ecosystem to be observed
from a broader perspective: not simply as a sum
of companies, cemeteries, or infrastructure, but as
a network of services responding to the country’s
social, demographic and territorial conditions. The
Colombian case is relevant to other markets because it
shows how a funeral industry can modernize without
losing its cultural, religious and community dimension.
Tariff oscillation and the nature of funeral
services
Pricing remains one of the sector’s most sensitive
issues. In funeral sector, a tariff does not express
only price: it expresses territory, logistics, rituality,
infrastructure, operational urgency, and family
decision-making. Analysing it as if it belonged to a
homogeneous product therefore leads to incomplete
conclusions.
Unlike a standardized good, funeral care cannot
be postponed, is not fully replicable and does not
respond to a single configuration. Each service may
involve different components: the wake, type of coffin,
ceremony, transportation, final disposition, religious or
secular accompaniment, availability of infrastructure
and the logistical conditions specific to each territory.
Tradition, religion, and cultural change
Funerals in Colombia retain a deep cultural and
religious dimension. The presence of more than 4,300
churches within the ecosystem identified by CIEX
reflects the historical importance of religious practices
in farewell rituals. In many regions, the funeral remains
a community act, where family, neighbours, religious
institutions, and service providers participate in a
collective process of mourning.
At the same time, the sector is changing. In cities,
there is a trend toward more personalized services,
shorter formats, greater participation of pre-need
funeral plans and growing openness to technological
solutions. Process digitalization, database
management, customer service tools and the need
for real-time information are beginning to reshape
how companies operate and make decisions towards
their clients’ interests.
Sustainability is becoming part of the sector’s agenda.
Alternatives such as water cremation, eco-friendly
services and the reduction of environmental impact
are still at an early stage compared with other markets,
but they are becoming part of a broader conversation
about the future of the sector.
Sectoral information
and knowledge management
One of the most relevant changes in the Colombian
funeral sector is not related only to technology or
infrastructure, but to the way the sector is beginning
to observe itself. Organized data now allows more
precise analysis of capacity, demand and territorial
coverage.
CIEX’s technical work has integrated sources such as
official statistics, ecclesiastical records, government
directories, exploration of sector actors and direct
research exercises with funeral service providers.
This work has made it possible to build a clearer basis
for analysing the sector across different dimensions:
infrastructure, mortality, tariffs, territory and trends.
Beyond specific data points, the value of this work
lies in organizing information that was previously
dispersed. In a sector where decisions are often shaped
by local experience, having structured information
makes it possible to identify patterns, formulate better
questions and open spaces for discussion among
companies, public institutions, academia and trade
associations.
The sector is also becoming more data-driven.
Shared data improves coordination and decision-
making across the sector. For a traditionally under-
documented industry, initiatives of this kind can
make an important difference in how its evolution is
understood.
One of the most relevant
changes in the Colombian
funeral sector is not related
only to technology or
infrastructure, but to the way
the sector is beginning to
observe itself.
Funerals in Colombia retain
a deep cultural and religious
dimension.
16
No. 114 – 2/2026 | THANOS MAGAZINE
MEMBERS’ NEWS
ADVERTISEMENT
International recognition:
validation of a replicable approach
CIEX’s impact has been recognized beyond Colombia.
In 2025, the initiative received the Silver Butterfly Award
from the Latin American Association of Cemetery
Parks and Funeral Services (ALPAR), highlighting
its contribution to the sector at a regional level.
The award reflects a broader trend: the challenges
addressed by CIEX are not unique to Colombia. Across
different markets, there is growing awareness of the
need for structured, reliable and sector-specific data
to drive modernization, improve transparency and
strengthen service quality. The award also validates
a methodology that could be replicated in other
markets. In this context, CIEX emerges as a structured
response to a global need: understanding an essential
industry better in order to make better decisions.
Main trends and challenges
The Colombian funeral industry faces a set of
challenges that will define its evolution in the
coming years. The first is the need to improve
the quality and comparability of information.
Although significant progress has been made in
characterization, mortality analysis, infrastructure
and tariff oscillation, gaps remain in variables such
as ownership models, installed capacity, effective
coverage, service levels and pre-need models. The
second challenge is territorial. Colombia needs
to better understand how demand behaves in
regions with less infrastructure, high population
dispersion or logistical difficulties. Sector planning
cannot be limited to major urban centres or national
averages. The third challenge is transparency.
Tariff variability is natural in a complex service, but
it must be accompanied by clear information for
families. The conversation should not be reduced
to whether a service is expensive or inexpensive, but
should focus on what components make it up, what
conditions explain it and how that information is
communicated to consumers. The fourth challenge is
cultural. Younger generations are demanding more
personalized services, greater clarity of information,
more flexible options and, progressively, alternatives
with lower environmental impact. The fifth challenge
facing the sector is the preservation of funeral rituals,
not only as a cultural tradition sustained over time,
but also from a deeply human perspective. Grief
without ritual can become an unfinished process.
Families need the opportunity to say goodbye to
their loved ones and to find spaces for emotional
closure and support. However, modern life and the
urgency of today’s society have led to situations in
several major Colombian cities where individuals are
taken directly from the hospital to the crematorium
in less than two hours, without funeral services
or any form of farewell ritual. We believe this may
have consequences for the mental health of grieving
families, as was evidenced during the COVID-19
pandemic.
The sector will need to adapt to these expectations
without losing the dignity, sensitivity and community
meaning that have historically defined funeral rituals
in Colombia. Finally, there is an institutional challenge:
strengthening the relationship between data,
public policy and business decision-making.
Better data helps the sector anticipate demand,
identify coverage gaps and improve quality of service
provided to families.
The future of Colombia’s funeral sector depends as
much on better data as on better infrastructure. In an
industry where every decision takes place in the midst
of grief, data does not dehumanize the service: it can
make it more transparent, more territorial and more
dignified. For a European audience, the relevance of
the Colombian case does not lie in replicating the
same market conditions, but in showing a possible
modernization process in a context where religious
tradition, partial information gaps, territorial diversity
and new user expectations coexist. This combination
raises broader questions relevant beyond Colombia:
how to classify sector actors more clearly, improve
data traceability, explain tariff variation and use
information to strengthen coverage, communication
and service quality without losing the human
dimension of funeral care.
MEMBERS’ NEWS
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 114 – 2/2026
17
BEST FRIENDS
UNTIL THE VERY END?
CHANGING ATTITUDES
TOWARDS PET BURIALS IN GERMANY
By Dr. Simon J. Walter, Cultural Representative of the German Burial Culture
Foundation
© unspash / Darinka Kievskaya
For more and more people in Germany, their
pet is their closest social companion.
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For several decades now, a shift has been
observable in the relationship many people in
Germany have with their pets. The connection
between them and their owners is increasingly
defined by emotional connection and personal
attachment. This is especially true for animals that
actively participate in daily life and often attain the
status of family members (e.g., dogs and cats).
Owners tend to treat these animals as individuals
and, in some cases, perceive them as having
distinct personalities. This development naturally
affects how people cope with the death of a pet.
In Germany, there is no legal obligation to bury
pets after death. There is, however, a regulatory
obligation for proper disposal. As a result,
deceased pets may in some cases be disposed
of with household waste or handed over to
animal rendering facilities. For many pet owners,
both options are inconceivable practices that
are incompatible with a dignified farewell – thus
options for a respectful pet burial have become
more relevant in recent years.
53% have buried at least one Pet
In certain circumstances, a pet may become a
person’s closest social companion – for example,
when family and friends live far away. The animal
is not only a companion in everyday life but also
structures its owner’s daily routine through its
needs. In doing so, it can provide meaningful
support, particularly for older individuals and
those living alone. Moreover, caring for a pet and
the feedback received from it often evoke positive
and beneficial emotional responses in people.
Such a fulfilling relationship extends beyond death.
A representative survey commissioned by the
German Federal Association of Funeral Directors
in September 2024 found that 53% of respondents
had buried at least one pet and 46% would consider
pet cremation as viable option. These numbers
reflect the changing value attributed to pets in the
eyes of their owners and the conscious decisions
made for a pet burial as part of the practical and
emotional responsibility towards pets.
Steady Increase of Pet Cemeteries
While 35% of respondents in the survey named
their own garden as preferred place for burying
a pet, 18% opted for a pet cemetery. Since the
1990s, there has been a steady increase of the
number of dedicated pet cemeteries in Germany,
counting more than 150 nowadays. In general, the
burial of a pet is minimally regulated. Burial on
personal grounds as well as keeping the urn as
private property are both allowed, in stark contrast
to the heavy and detailed regulations around
human burials in Germany.
An additional and relatively recent phenomenon
further illustrates the trend towards pet burials.
So-called human-animal burials are being legalized
in some parts of Germany, with dedicated spaces
on cemeteries. In the aforementioned survey,
around 50% of respondents answered in support
of this practice, with acceptance rising the younger
the respondents were. 19% said that they too
wished to be buried alongside their pets one day.
Further Guidance needed
Today, pet owners in Germany can choose from
a wide and continuously expanding range of
products and services related to pet burial. Funeral
directors are natural points of contact for those
affected and, in some cases, are already active in
the field of pet funerary services. Nevertheless,
professional bodies in the funeral sector mostly
Dr. Simon J. Walter,
Cultural Representative of the German
Burial Culture Foundation
© BDB
In general, the burial of a pet is
minimally regulated.
Burial on personal grounds
as well as keeping the urn
as private property are both
allowed, in stark contrast
to the heavy and detailed
regulations around human
burials in Germany.
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caution for the domains of animal and human
burial to remain organizationally separate, even
though competencies certainly overlap.
Qualified professionals in the field of pet burial are
particularly important because many individuals
are initially surprised and sometimes unsettled by
the intensity of their grief following the loss of a
pet. Not infrequently, they also feel misunderstood
or stigmatized in their social environment. Such
tendencies may be further reinforced when
individuals compare their grief over an animal
with bereavement experiences involving friends or
family members, sometimes leading to feelings of
guilt. Out of respect for those affected, relativizing
comments regarding the death of a pet are, of
course, inappropriate.
The broader shift in attitudes in this regard is
progressing surprisingly fast. Yet, pet burials in
Germany do require further and appropriate
guidance – for example, through the establishment
of clear regulations for operating pet cemeteries and
for the conduct of human-animal burials. Funeral
professionals can contribute constructively to these
discussions through their experience and expertise.
Above all, however, they serve as competent and
reliable contacts for individuals facing the death
of a pet, who may feel overwhelmed by their grief
and uncertain about the organizational aspects of
pet burial.
© unsplash / engin akyurt
In Germany, there is no legal obligation to bury
pets after death. There is, however, a regulatory
obligation for proper disposal.
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No. 114 – 2/2026 | THANOS MAGAZINE
A representative survey
commissioned by the German
Federal Association of Funeral
Directors in September 2024
found that 53% of respondents
had buried at least one pet
and 46% would consider pet
cremation as viable option.
These numbers reflect the
changing value attributed to
pets in the eyes of their owners
and the conscious decisions
made for a pet burial as part
of the practical and emotional
responsibility towards pets.
MAIN TOPIC
SAME, BUT DIFFERENT!
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOFTWARE PROVIDERS
By Veit Möller, Senior Sales Manager of Pacemo GmbH,
Memcare Group, Germany
“When a grandmother passes away, it’s sad – but
most of the time understandable. When your own
dog dies, for many people it is the end of the world.”
This statement from an Austrian pet funeral director
captures it well: the emotional bond with pets is
immense and it is shaping a growing market.
Although there are no official statistics, estimates
for the German market in 2026, published by
deine-tierwelt.de, suggest around 150,000 to
250,000 pet burials and cremations. Over the past
ten years, the market has grown by approximately
10-15% annually. With a turnover of around
€16-20 million, what was once a niche is increasingly
becoming an attractive segment, while still being
less saturated than the human funeral market.
As a provider of funeral management software,
Pacemo has been developing digital solutions for
the human funeral sector for about ten years –
from case management and memorial printing
to inventory management and billing. The goal
is to automate administrative processes and
create more space for the core task: supporting
the bereaved. But can this model simply be
transferred to pet funeral services?
Discussions with the industry show that many core
functions, such as data management, document
generation, and invoicing are transferable.
In practice, however, the requirements differ
significantly. Processes, regulations, and
especially case volumes lead to different ways
of working. There are also economic differences:
while a human funeral costs on average €6,000
to €8,000, pet funerals start at around €300. This
makes scalable pricing and product models more
challenging. This also led to the final conclusion
that the pet funeral market offers significant
potential, but requires tailored, customer-
centric software solutions rather than a simple
adaptation of existing systems.
Pet funeral market offers
significant potential, but
requires tailored, customer-
centric software solutions
rather than a simple
adaptation of existing systems.
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