Cremation is the fastest-growing funeral practice. Many families request it as a final farewell because of its flexibility: ashes can be kept at home, placed in a columbarium, or scattered in a special place. In this guide, we explain how does cremation work step by step so that you are well-informed before deciding.
Why is cremation becoming increasingly common?
Cremation has become an option chosen by many families because of:
- Practicality: ashes can be kept in an urn, placed in a columbarium, or scattered in a meaningful location.
- Economic and space limitations: in many cities, cemeteries have limited burial niches, so cremation becomes a more viable solution.
- Changing traditions: more and more people express the wish to be cremated, whether for spiritual, ecological, or simple reasons.
It is an option that offers peace to families and respects the wishes of the deceased.
How a cremation is carried out step by step
These matters are never easy to discuss, but knowing the process helps families feel calmer and more reassured.
Identification of the deceased
Before starting, an identification protocol is carried out to ensure the process is individual and transparent, guaranteeing complete traceability.
Administrative procedures
It is necessary to have a cremation licence issued by the Civil Registry, the medical death certificate, and family authorisation.
Preparation of the body and coffin
The body is placed in a special coffin with materials suitable for the crematorium, without metallic parts or contaminants.
Cremation process
The coffin is placed into the cremator, which reaches very high temperatures. This technical and regulated procedure transforms the body into ashes.
Cooling and refinement of the ashes
After cremation, the remains are cooled and reduced to ashes. They are then refined so that they are homogeneous and easy to handle.
Return of the ashes to the family
Finally, the ashes are placed in an urn and handed over to the family, who may decide what to do with the ashes.
Technical aspects of how a cremation is carried out
Temperature
The cremator reaches between 850 °C and 1,200 °C, ensuring the correct reduction of the body and the coffin. The first chamber ensures complete combustion, while the second burns all the gases produced.
Duration
The process usually lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the size of the body and the coffin.
Control systems
Cremators are equipped with systems that monitor temperature, time and emissions. In addition, they have ceramic filters, electrostatic precipitators or catalysts that comply with European emission regulations.
How can Serveis Funeraris Mallorca help you in the process of cremating a human body?
At Serveis Funeraris Mallorca we accompany families at every step so that they feel supported.
Columbariums and graves
At Serveis Funeraris Mallorca we have different spaces in cemeteries for columbaria and graves for urns. These spaces allow you to pay tribute to your loved one in a physical and permanent place.
Custody of the urn in the cemetery
We know that it is not easy to decide what to do with the ashes of a deceased person, so we offer the option of custody of the urn in a cemetery, where it is protected in a dignified and accessible space. This option is ideal for families who wish to have a place of recollection, but without the need to purchase a complete grave or columbarium.
Transfer of ashes
Sometimes families wish the ashes to rest in a different place from the cremation site. Whether it is within Mallorca, to the mainland or even to another country, at Serveis Funeraris Mallorca we offer a specialised service for the transfer of ashes, complying with all legal, health and transport requirements.
Administrative management
Our team takes care of all the paperwork required to carry out the cremation, always with a close approach and resolving any questions.
Burial and cremation
We provide a specialised burial and cremation service, so that each family member can choose the option that best suits their wishes.
Transfer and repatriation
We carry out the transfer of the body to the crematorium, as well as the subsequent transfer of the ashes to the place indicated by the family, always following current regulations.
Myths about how a cremation is carried out
There are some misconceptions that should be clarified:
- “The ashes do not belong to the deceased”: each cremation is individual and identified with a reference number.
- “More than one body is cremated at the same time”: joint cremations are expressly prohibited. Each process is individual and cremators have indeed safety systems that prevent overlaps.
- “The coffin is reused”: the coffin that accompanies the body during cremation is unique, approved, and is never recovered or reused.
Regulations on how a cremation is carried out
Cremation is regulated by regional and municipal regulations to protect the integrity of the process and the environment. They establish:
- The use of approved coffins without toxic varnishes or metal components.
- Technical conditions of cremators: they must have at least two combustion chambers to ensure complete combustion and gas treatment.
- Emission control: European legislation (Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions) sets limits on particulates, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and heavy metals.
- Activity records: crematoria must keep a register of each cremation, with reference number, date and basic data for traceability.
Frequently asked questions about how a cremation is carried out
How is it guaranteed that the ashes handed over belong to the deceased?
Each cremation is carried out individually, with strict identification protocols that ensure complete traceability.
How long does it take for the urn with the ashes to be handed over?
In general, the urn is given to the family between 24 and 48 hours after the cremation, although the timeframe may vary depending on the crematorium and the associated paperwork.
Can a ceremony be held before or after cremation?
Yes, an intimate farewell or a religious or secular ceremony can be organised before or after the process, according to the family's wishes.
What is required for cremation?
A medical death certificate, authorisation from the civil registry and signed consent from the family or the funeral service provider are required.
Would you like more information about our services?
If you would like to resolve more questions about how a cremation is carried out or learn more about our services, at Serveis Funeraris Mallorca we are here to support you.