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The San Rafael cemetery in the city of Colón, Matanzas, reveals the deep neglect that plagues cemeteries in Cuba, according to a report from the state media that showcases stunning images and testimonies from workers and locals outraged by the situation.
Built in the 1920s, this cemetery should be a place of rest, but today it presents a scene of open ossuaries, exposed bones, destroyed chapels, and an environment rife with unsanitary conditions, as evidenced by the images published on Facebook by Periódico Girón, which also published the journalistic work on their online site.
In the text, the former gravedigger Jesús Agustín Fleites Martínez recounted how, in his time, exhumations were conducted with gloves, alcohol, and ossuaries provided by the company, while now the gravediggers lack basic protective equipment and must purchase ossuaries at unaffordable prices.
Additionally, Luis Alberto Fernández González, the current administrator, acknowledged the lack of staff—only 14 positions filled out of 19—and the impossibility of maintaining the place with a salary of 2,600 pesos per month.
The Hygiene Inspector, Gladys Rodríguez Reyes, stated that the cemetery does not meet sanitary requirements: it lacks facilities for staff hygiene, the utensils are deteriorated, and the absence of fencing allows the entry of animals and unauthorized individuals, worsening the situation. The accumulation of garbage and the proliferation of mosquitoes make the cemetery a hotspot for public health risks.
The report includes testimonies from family members who are reporting looted vaults and crumbling mausoleums. Among them is Ana, who describes seeing the state of the cemetery as "heartbreaking"; and Sergio, who revealed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, parts of a newly constructed collective vault for the victims of the disease were stolen.
Despite promises to address the repairs of the perimeter fence and the cremation area, issues persist after years of neglect. Interviewed citizens suggest volunteer efforts and educational campaigns about the site's heritage value, in addition to demanding that the Necrological Services company and the local government take responsibility for the maintenance and dignity of the cemetery.
Poor conditions of the cemeteries
In February 2025, the report about the conditions of the Guantánamo cemetery gained prominence after the release of a video showing open graves, uncontrolled weeds, and a strong unpleasant odor.
While in December last year, it was revealed that an unusual and shocking situation persisted in the cemetery of the town of Felton, in Holguín, where a fallen tree remained on several graves without local authorities taking action to remove it.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Abandonment of Cemeteries in Cuba
What is the current situation of cemeteries in Cuba?
Cemeteries in Cuba are in a state of abandonment and widespread deterioration. This is evident in images and testimonies from places like the San Rafael cemetery in Matanzas, where open ossuaries, destroyed chapels, and an unhealthy environment can be observed. The lack of staff and resources exacerbates the situation, turning these sites into hotspots for public health risks.
What challenges do workers in Cuban cemeteries face?
Cuban cemetery workers face a lack of basic protective equipment and a shortage of resources. The report reveals that grave diggers lack gloves and alcohol for exhumations, and that ossuaries must be purchased at unaffordable prices. Additionally, there is a staff shortage that hinders the proper maintenance of the cemeteries.
How does the funeral services crisis affect Cuban families?
The crisis of funeral services in Cuba forces families to seek makeshift solutions and face undignified situations. In some cases, such as in Pinar del Río, relatives have had to carry coffins on foot due to the lack of funeral transportation. The scarcity of coffins and burial materials has also led to critical situations in several provinces.
What can be done to improve the situation of cemeteries in Cuba?
To improve the situation of cemeteries in Cuba, it is essential that the authorities take responsibility for the maintenance of these places. It is suggested to carry out volunteer work, educational campaigns about the heritage value of cemeteries, and specific actions by the Necrological Services company and the municipal government to ensure the dignity of these spaces.
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