On the 1st of November – All Saints’ Day -, the four cemeteries of the municipality of Funchal (São Martinho, São Gonçalo, Santo António, and Monte) will open between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, as per a recent statement from the Funchal City Council (CMF).
The reason for the new opening times is to allow for general work to be carried out in the cemeteries with regard to general maintenance, improvement of working conditions for staff, and new facilities for gravediggers.
“The Municipality of Funchal also intends to proceed with the expansion of the crematorium, and chapel conservation works in the cemetery of São Martinho, as well as renew all signage to ensure that all notices meet CMF standardised regulations.
Furthermore, there was an article last month where the cemetery closing times in Ribeira Brava had been brought forward due to instances of witchcraft within the graveyard. And, with this being All Saints Day, the CMF could also be taking preventative measures to avoid any vandalism of graves and infrastructure. Just a thought!
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
