Cremation Trends in Belgium: A Shift in Funeral Traditions
In areas Belgium, the traditional burial is gradually giving way to cremation, reflecting evolving attitudes towards funeral practices, particularly in the northern region of Flanders. All Saints’ Day on November 1st remains an important occasion for Belgian families to honour their deceased, visiting cemeteries to decorate graves with flowers and candles. However, with fewer people choosing burial, this tradition is seeing new forms of remembrance as cremation becomes the preferred option. As an aside -I like this tradition it would be nice to have something similar in the UK.
Cremation on the Rise in Flanders
In Flanders, the popularity of cremation has soared, with 78% of people who passed away last year opting for this method. Figures from the United Network of Public Crematoria (VNOC) show that nearly four out of five people in the Dutch-speaking region chose cremation over burial. According to Thomas Heiremans, director of the Sereni funeral home in Flanders, this trend largely reflects a desire for flexibility. “Cremation offers more options,” Heiremans explained. With cremation, the ashes can be placed in a columbarium, kept at home, or even scattered at sea.
Interestingly, the shift towards cremation in Belgium doesn’t appear to be driven by cost, as cremations are not always cheaper than burials. Instead, it is the versatility cremation offers that appeals to many Belgians, allowing families to personalise their loved ones’ final resting places.
Regional Differences in Belgium’s Funeral Culture
While Flanders leads the shift towards cremation, Brussels and Wallonia maintain a more balanced approach, with cremation rates only slightly above 50% in these regions. Cultural and demographic factors account for these differences. Brussels, for example, has a significant Muslim population, and Islamic traditions prohibit cremation, limiting this option for a large part of the city’s residents.
Cremation is more popular in urban centres within Wallonia, but rural communities tend to prefer traditional burials. The availability of crematoria also varies across regions. Flanders is home to 12 crematoria, including one near the Brussels border, while Brussels itself has only one, and Wallonia has seven. This uneven distribution can influence people’s choices, with some Brussels residents opting for crematoria in Flanders or Wallonia, thus impacting regional statistics.
Belgium’s Innovative Approach: Automated Cremation Drop-Offs with QR Codes
In a unique move that underscores Belgium’s innovative approach to funeral services, some crematoria now offer automated body drop-offs using QR codes. This process, largely adopted in Flanders, allows for a streamlined, secure handover at the crematorium. Family members or funeral directors scan a QR code associated with the deceased, allowing a drop-off process without needing to interact with crematorium staff. This automation caters to a growing preference for privacy and simplicity in end-of-life arrangements and reflects Belgium’s ability to adapt its funeral culture to modern needs.
Comparing to the UK and Other European Trends
In the UK, cremation is similarly popular, with approximately 80% of people choosing it. Like in Flanders, flexibility and personalisation play significant roles in the UK’s preference for cremation. In Spain, meanwhile, the cremation rate is around 40%, though it’s rising.
Final Thoughts
As Belgian funeral customs evolve, Flanders leads the way with its high cremation rates. While Belgium’s funeral traditions remain diverse, shaped by regional, religious, and cultural distinctions, one common thread is a growing desire for flexibility in honouring loved ones. Choice choice choice choice…. That is what we all want, the ability to memorialise they way you want and the confidence to be able to.