Ash burials continue to gain ground over traditional ones in Vitoria-Gasteiz's municipal cemeteries. After last year saw ash interments surpass those of bodies for the first time, the difference has widened, now accounting for 55.1% of the total, compared to 44.9% for traditional burials. This was announced today by the Councilor for Public Space and Neighborhoods, Miren Fernández de Landa, during the presentation of the annual balance of the Santa Isabel and El Salvador cemeteries, ahead of All Saints' Day.
Between October 2025 and September 2026, 1,186 interments were recorded, a 6.3% increase from the previous year. Of these, 653 were for ashes and 533 for bodies. This trend is particularly significant when compared to ten years ago, when ashes represented only 37.3% of interments.
During 2026, the City Council allocated 775,496 euros to the repair of niches and the renovation of the urbanization in blocks 234 and 254 of the El Salvador cemetery. These actions complement those carried out since the beginning of the legislature, including the construction of 256 columbaria, the rehabilitation of other niche areas, and the expansion of the plot for Muslim community burials.
The councilor noted that conservation and maintenance work must continue in the coming years, especially in the central niche blocks of El Salvador. The progressive installation of safety systems for workers performing high-altitude maintenance tasks is also planned.
For November 1st, the City Council has prepared the usual All Saints' Day operational plan, including the conditioning of parking areas at El Salvador, enhanced cleaning of public restrooms between October 28th and November 2nd, the installation of seven portable sanitary cabins, and an additional waste collection service on October 30th and 31st. Local Police will also provide support on October 31st and November 1st.
Meanwhile, TUVISA will reinforce the bus service to El Salvador cemetery on October 30th and 31st, and November 1st. On the first two days, buses will run every half hour, while on All Saints' Day, the frequency will increase to every 15 minutes. Departures will be from Prado street, and full schedules can be consulted on the municipal website.
Fernández de Landa expressed gratitude for the work of the municipal staff who serve the cemeteries, as well as the various services collaborating in their maintenance and the preparation of the All Saints' Day operation. “There is daily work of organization, service preparation, and attention to families that demands professionalism, but also great sensitivity. The way people are received and attended to in those moments is of great importance,” she highlighted.
