WDEC 2026 in Barcelona Cemeteries

As part of the WDEC 2026, Cementiris de Barcelona is showcasing its educational programme “Life Lessons: Cemeteries as Educational Heritage”.

About the programme

One of the pillars of Cementiris de Barcelona is its educational service, which works to promote Barcelona’s cemeteries as cultural assets of exceptional importance, fostering public knowledge and helping to normalize death. This mission is reflected in the programme "Life Lessons: Cemeteries as Educational Heritage". Although featured during WDEC 2026, the programme is not limited to this one week. Educational activities are conducted throughout the year across several Barcelona cemeteries, demonstrating the organisation’s long-term commitment to learning, cultural heritage, and community engagement.

The educational activities, tailored to various learning stages, offer a unique opportunity to explore the rich funerary heritage of the Poblenou and Montjuïc cemeteries—both classified as monumental by the Council of Europe—as well as the Funeral Carriage Collection, the Funerary Library, and other cemeteries in Barcelona. Together, these sites represent a significant cultural legacy and a collective memory shared by society.

This initiative is led by the team at Cementiris de Barcelona: highly qualified professionals committed to continuous improvement, who balance compassionate care for families during the farewell process with excellence in educational outreach. By engaging students in meaningful educational experiences, the educators foster deep respect for heritage preservation while working to normalise death as an essential, natural part of life.

By addressing a fundamental topic that remains taboo for many, these activities provide a supportive space for reflection. The subject of mortality is approached with the utmost respect for diverse beliefs, religions, and cultural traditions, allowing participants to fully appreciate the rich symbolic expressions that define Barcelona’s funerary heritage.

You can read more about the programme HERE.

WDEC 2026: Quality education

The 2026 Week of Discovering European Cemeteries will focus on the role cemeteries play in enabling, implementing and promoting quality education.

Theme of WDEC 2026

The Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2026 will once again be held as a central activity within the framework of the ASCE initiative Significant Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe. Following the pattern established in 2024 and 2025, the initiative aligns its activities with one of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals, illustrating how cemeteries can contribute to a more sustainable society. 

Scheduled from May 22 to May 31, 2026, the WDEC 2026 will focus on Goal 4: Quality education and will take place within the same thematic context as the ASCE Schools on Cemeteries project, offering expanded opportunities for innovative activities and new cooperation.

This emphasis on education is perfectly suited to cemeteries because they are not only places of remembrance but also open-air museums and unique classrooms where history, art, and culture intersect. They provide countless opportunities for learning about the individuals who shaped our communities, the values that guided them, and the importance of education and knowledge in building a more sustainable future.

Main orientations for your activities

We encourage all ASCE members to use the WDEC 2026 theme as a framework for organizing engaging and innovative activities. As you plan your programs, consider the following guiding principles:

• Why is education important in sustainable development? Explore the role of knowledge and education in creating environmentally and socially responsible communities, and consider how cemeteries can contribute to this process.
• Who were the important educators in city history? Look for the graves and stories of teachers, professors, philanthropists, scientists, artists, and reformers who helped to shape the educational landscape and intellectual life of your city.
• What is sustainable education? Consider how the conservation of cemetery heritage itself is a form of sustainable education, and what specific lessons about ecology, history, or social equity can your cemetery offer?
• How education changed life in a city? Plan tours or workshops focusing on historical figures whose educational contributions led to significant social, technological, or political changes in your community.

Your programs could include guided thematic tours, educational workshops for all generations, exhibitions about local educational pioneers, or digital projects that bring these stories to a wider audience.

Share your activities

We invite you to share programs, photos and other materials of your planned activities during WDEC 2026 ba using the form below. We will be happy to publish them on the ASCE website and our social media channels.

➤ SUBMISSION FORM

Appointment in the Garden 2025

APGI - Associazione Parchi e Giardini d'Italia invites you to join the Appointment in the Garden initiative, which will take place on the 7th and 8th of June 2025.

Cemeteries as gardens

Cemeteries are often overlooked as green spaces, yet, in many ways, they are gardens in their own right—places where nature, memory, and culture intertwine. Landscaped with care, shaped by history, and rich in symbolism, cemeteries form serene environments for reflection, remembrance, and discovery.

In this context, we are pleased to forward the invitation from APGI - Associazione Parchi e Giardini d'Italia to participate in the "Appuntamento in Giardino" initiative (English: Appointment in the Garden), which this year beautifully aligns with the ASCE Week of Discovering European Cemeteries, both in theme and timing.

About the "Appuntamento in Giardino" initiative

Designed as a garden celebration, the event invites the general public to rediscover Italy’s gardens as living cultural heritage through a variety of events and activities. Participation is open to all gardens, whether historic or contemporary, that have historical, artistic, landscape, or botanical significance.

Held in collaboration with Rendez-vous aux Jardins, this initiative will take place simultaneously in numerous European countries.

For more information about the initiative, click HERE or visit the website www.apgi.it.

Theme: Gardens of stones, stones of the garden

Year after year, the chosen theme invites the public to rediscover the universe of the garden through a new perspective. This year’s theme for the "Appuntamento in Giardino" initiative is Gardens of Stones, Stones of the Garden.

Please note that aligning with the proposed theme is not mandatory for the design of proposed activities. You can animate the days with a wide variety of events, including guided tours, conferences, meetings with owners, gardeners, and botanists, gardening lessons, workshops for children, demonstrations, concerts, performances, exhibitions, tastings, night openings, and more.

How to participate

Each garden can choose one or more days to participate in the initiative (Saturday, 7 June; Sunday, 8 June; or both days).

Registrations will be open until the 1st of May 2025. You can sign up your garden HERE.

For any questions, please contact appuntamentoingiardino@apgi.it.

WDEC 2025: Peace, justice and strong institutions

The "Gardens of 80" project will expose European cemeteries as memorial spaces that celebrate peace, inclusion, and justice, supporting the goal 16 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

For centuries, cemeteries have been the green oases of the cities. All through the industrial revolution, while cities were expanding the concrete and glass buildings, cemeteries preserved and expanded nature. Preserved peace and tranquillity of the human soul.

In 2025 members of ASCE will join hands to use this element in promoting peace. As 80 years are passing since the largest world conflict ended, we will promote 80 exceptional stories, moments, people, monuments or spaces which contributed to goal 16 of the UN 2030 agenda. Stories that brought humanity closer together by promoting just, peaceful and inclusive societies.

Project is part of the initiative Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe which emerged in 2024 in order to promote the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and its activities will also be carried out within the framework of Week of Disocvering European Cemeteries 2025. 

Gardens of 80 project

80 stories, moments, people, monuments, spaces

We are looking for 80 stories in significant European cemeteries which align to the goal 16 of the UN 2030 agenda. Stories that contribute to peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. People who made it possible for others to be free of fear from all forms of violence and feel safe as they go about their lives whatever their ethnicity, faith or sexual orientation.

Stories that contributed to the 80 years of the conflicts not escalating globally. Thus we encourage members to find stories in local history about preventing conflict escalation in peaceful times. Stories about people who noticed the struggles of the suppressed and the conflicts they encountered. As they intervened the conflict reduced allowing society to progress their lives without further conflicts. Developing a society that is sustainable because of peace.

Physical memorial spaces

One of the most important aspects of the project is generating physical memorial spaces as they should be the catalyst of prolonged awareness building.

We encourage members to prepare anything within the following options, but they may work out other solutions themselves:

• Planting 80 trees or other plants in a dedicated area
• Any plants can be used but bearing in mind that long-term establishment is encouraged. Depending on the climate, general cemetery development plans and other locally important aspects, members can develop their own ideas.
• However it is important to mark the area with a dedicated visible plaque(s) that highlight the project and its digital channels.
• Members may combine this with the Peace tree project.
• Number of plants can be lower.
• Dedicating an area to the project
• Even in absence of the possibilities to plant new plants, already existing areas can be used. Positioning a plaque or other installation in the area highlighting the project and its digital channels.
• This could be particularly useful in cases of abandoned areas that may not serve for burials in the future (due to urbanism and other changes). Or else in the tree avenues that already exist and could be named as Gardens of 80.
• Even including some artistic installations is encouraged in such areas.

Please note again that any other creative solution is highly encouraged and welcome. The important aspects are that the space is in open space with plants and has a visible project plaque or other attribution.

Events

Members are encouraged to prepare and execute events with high media impact. In this manner ASCE proposes events that:

• have a clear promotional message to celebrate exceptional stories that promote goal 16 of the UN agenda 2030
• should clearly state that many events on sustaining peace happen in peaceful times (it is not about war heroes)
• incorporate United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development especially the goal 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions)
• include schools and other institutions which help maintain justice for all

Overall there may be several events throughout the 2025 which help society understand the development of the garden itself - from planting trees to inauguration of the plaque or monument or other activities.

Do consider inviting the related institutions which may have interest in the project itself - courts, legal associations, universities, NGOs or other organisations.

It is of the highest importance that the project and event is strictly devoted to the promotion of peace sustainability activities. Rather than war, the vocabulary of the activities should be peace. Rather than 80 years since WW2, we should impose 80 years of peace stories.

Aligning with WDEC (Week of Discovering European Cemeteries)

The initiative Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe is a multi-year project devoted to promoting the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

So in the following years we will encourage members to devote their activities within WDEC to various UN agenda goals.

While our WDEC focus in 2025 will be Gardens of 80, members can continue working on 2024 focus - goal 11 (Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable) if they find that more suitable for them.

Project outline

The ASCE presidency will prepare and work on the dedicated project page by gathering and promoting member’s activities.

In the beginning of 2025 a call for stories will be launched where members will be able to apply with their proposed activities. For the call please prepare the following (in English):

• Title of your activity
• Short description
• Extended description
• 1-3 high quality photos
• Important event(s)
• Event title
• Date and time
• Cemetery in which activity will take place
• (optional) Link to event details
• Tags (person, year, plants names, symbols…)
• (optional) Link to your dedicated webpage or social media profile including more information

Best activities will be awarded and presented as the best practice examples in AGM 2025 and at other ASCE events.

Share your projects

Please use the form below to send us the dates, programs, photos, and other materials related to your planned activities for WDEC 2025 and/or the "Significant Cemeteries for a Sustainable Europe" initiative. We will be happy to publish them on the ASCE website and social media channels.

➤ SUBMISSION FORM

WDEC 2024: Environmental sustainability and climate change

The WDEC 2024 theme was part of the ASCE initiative "Cemeteries for Sustainable Europe", launched in 2024 to promote the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

WDEC 2024 and the United Nations goal 11

For centuries, cemeteries have been the green oases of the cities. All through the industrial revolution, while cities were expanding the concrete and glass building, cemeteries preserved and expanded nature.

It is incorporated deep within the mission of the cemeteries to provide a peaceful environment where the visitor can relax and focus on memories. Cultural heritage of significant cemeteries therefore does not reflect only in impressive monuments or mausoleums, but as much in their planned and peaceful horticultural landscape architecture. It is part of historical evidence on how European citizens feel and act about nature.

In 2024 the Association of Significant Cemeteries of Europe decided to use this cultural heritage asset and impact the future of Europe. Inviting its members to organise events during the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries which will influence visitors to consider their impact on the city sustainability. Expose good practices that everyone can consider in their daily life within the cemetery or outside.

Aligning our annual activities with the United Nations goal 11 from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

22 members from 7 European countries followed by organising over 30 events related to sustainability. From guided tours to exhibitions dedicated to promoting and learning about sustainable development. 2 countries reacted by organising larger scale national calls to incorporate related activities into cemeteries.

Examples of good practice

In Slovenia a cooperation with the Chamber of Public Utilities of Slovenia (ZKGS) was initiated by the ASCE preceding member Maribor. A national initiative was assembled featuring various year-round activities focused on environmental sustainability. A key component of this initiative was the invitation to cemetery managers to plant sample graves with drought-resistant plants at their cemeteries. This activity in particular resulted in an enlarged impact as besides Maribor and Ljubljana, various cemeteries which are not members of the ASCE network joined. Town of Velenje even incorporated the initiative in Podkraj cemetery arrangements in the project Entente Florale Europe - competing for the most beautifully arranged town of Europe.

Italian association SEFIT produced a 56-page booklet highlighting the cemeteries' commitment to environmental sustainability and the fight against climate change. The booklet featured a rich program of cultural events and guided tours at cemeteries in the cities of Ferrara, Rome, Verona, Genoa, Milan, Mantua, Turin, Bologna, Trento, Bolzano, Modena, Treviso, and Venice.

In Vienna, a rich program prolonged all over summer adding activities like workshops on gardening, wildlife photography, bee-friendly initiatives and other aspects. At Eastern Cemetery in Oslo various water saving and other projects were presented including innovative gravestones which collect rainwater. Cementiris de Barcelona has organised an exhibition installed at the Montjuïc Cemetery, which presents the initiatives they have undertaken to mitigate these negative effects and the measures adopted to reduce environmental impact. All visitors and schools participating in cultural visits and educational activities at the Montjuïc Cemetery have attended this exhibition. The Evangelical Cemetery Association of Berlin City Center organised educational tours including long days in the cemeteries and rainwater management. KD Kozala in Rijeka prepared a dedicated mobile guide for discovering plants at the cemeteries and organised a guided tour for the visitors. In Karlovac a cultural day for students from the high school of forestry and woodworking was organised emphasising the importance of natural preservation and work with plants in the cemetery. In Avigliana the plans for installing a fully sustainable solar lighting system along tilia-tree (Tilia Vulgaris) lined walkway was presented as well as the project of transforming the dried cypress into a wooden art.

Significant cemeteries for sustainable Europe

Overall in 2024 ASCE has accomplished to initiate and develop a project which marks an entire new chapter of our work and dedication. Reaching thousands of people across Europe and raising awareness of cultural and natural heritage resting in cemeteries is only a beginning. 

Within the new ASCE initiative "Significant cemeteries for sustainable Europe", we will continue to strive in reaching more visitors with important messages from the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

Program for 2025 is already prepared and will ensure further ideas and activities supporting this important agenda are aligned with the mission of ASCE: To promote European cemeteries as a fundamental part of the heritage of humanity.

WDEC 2024 at cemeteries in Maribor

We present to you the program of activities that will take place at the Maribor cemeteries during the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries 2024.

International initiative on sustainability

The focus of this year's Week of Discovering European Cemeteries is on the dedication of cemeteries to environmental sustainability and fight against climate change. In this context, Pogrebno podjetje Maribor, the presiding member of the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE), in collaboration with the Chamber of Public Utilities of Slovenia (ZKGS), has prepared a national initiative featuring various year-round activities focused on environmental sustainability. A key component of this initiative is the invitation to cemetery managers to plant sample graves with drought-resistant plants at their cemeteries.

All members of GZS chamber have already been invited to participate, and quite a few have responded positively to the initiative.

As an example to others, Pogrebno podjetje Maribor has prepared its program for the Week of Discovering European Cemeteries based on this initiative. Below are the projects, events, and activities on this topic that will take place at the Dobrava Cemetery and Pobrežje Cemetery in Maribor, Slovenia.

WDEC 2024 at Dobrava Cemetery

➤ Planting nectar-rich plants – an invaluable forage for bees and other pollinators.

➤ Installation of beehives in May 2024.

WDEC 2024 at Pobrežje Cemetery

➤ Planting nectar-rich plants – an invaluable forage for bees and other pollinators.

➤ Arrangement of three sample graves with plants that tolerate drought and require less watering. The sample graves will be marked with special plaques. Implementation is in progress.

➤ A flower and floral arrangement exhibition, showcasing plants resistant to drought, will be held in front of the Cvetličarna Aralija flower shop, located at the entrance of Pobrežje Cemetery, from May 27th to June 1st.

➤ On May 28th, a cultural day will take place at the Pobrežje Cemetery for students from Tone Čufar Primary School Maribor. The event will feature presentations on the ARtour mobile application and sustainable solutions implemented at the cemetery.

➤ On May 28th at 5:30 PM, an event in collaboration with the Maribor Multigenerational Center (VGC Maribor) will take place in the multipurpose hall at the Pobrežje Cemetery. The event will host a round table discussion focusing on sustainable development in funeral and cemetery services, examining various generational perspectives with a particular emphasis on youth.The event will conclude at 7 PM with a guided tour showcasing the sustainable initiatives implemented at the Pobrežje Cemetery. This will include visits to sustainably arranged sample graves, areas planted with nectar-rich plants and other bee-friendly initiatives, discussions on biodiversity at the cemetery, and a presentation of the ARtour application. As part of this event, VGC Maribor will conduct a survey among both younger and older attendees to gather their perceptions of sustainability in funeral services. The survey results will be discussed during the round table discussion.

Drought-resistant grave planting

Below, you can see some sample graves at Pobrežje Cemetery that have been cleaned, arranged, and planted with drought-resistant plants. They are also marked with special boards describing the project and listing the plants planted on each specific grave.

UNESCO initiative from Germany

The "Kuratorium Immaterielles Erbe Friedhofskultur" invites you to join the initiative "Intangible cultural heritage: Cemetery culture in Europe".

About the initiative

Cemetery culture is part of the "Nationwide Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage" in Germany. It refers to the architecture of cemeteries, burial practices and mourning and commemoration rituals. Associated craft techniques and customs preserve this cultural form and ensure the maintenance of the cemeteries.

The official partner of the German UNESCO Commission for the care, preservation and further development of this intangible cultural heritage is the "Kuratorium Immaterielles Erbe Friedhofskultur". This non-profit association is now reaching for a UNESCO nomination of "Intangible cultural heritage:  Cemetery culture in Europe" as a common initiative of several European countries. To achieve this aim, it is necessary that other European countries obtain the Intangible Cultural Heritage status for their national cemetery culture.

Call for cooperation

The Kuratorium is now looking for European partners. If you are interested in collaboration, please contact Tobias Pehle (director of the Kuratorium Immaterielles Erbe Friedhofskultur) at info@kulturerbe-friedhof.de or +49 163 171 70 39 925.

The official call for cooperation can be found HERE.

*Photo by Tobias Pehle, source https://www.unesco.de/en/culture-and-nature/intangible-cultural-heritage/cemetery-culture